Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea
Tip Sheet #31
Recommit to excellence, now!
Yes, I admit it. I have an affinity for the letter E. Perhaps it is because I have spent a lifetime writing it as the first letter of my name. But more importantly, I have an affinity for excellence. You can readily see this as the name of this blog space implies.
If you have followed this page for any length of time, I am sure that you remember Ed’s four Es for Excellence. Namely: Enthusiasm, Expectations, Empowerment and Environment. These qualities are exemplified by your personal enthusiasm, your high expectations of others, your ability to empower other people and the environment you help to create. I am convinced that if you incorporate these concepts into any leadership role, you will be successful. Let’s add your tremendous work ethic and positive attitude and I can almost guarantee that you will have created the right formula for excellence.
Today, as school years are coming to a close, I ask each one of you to recommit to the concept of excellence. The year can drain you. You have had your ups and downs and your trials and tribulations. You may feel that striving for personal and organizational excellence is not worth it. YOU ARE WRONG. THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IS ALWAYS WORTH IT! Always carry yourself as a champion.
Take a minute today to vow to stay focused on your path to excellence. Do not let life deter you. Yes, it is hard, but once again it is worth it.
A while ago I found a blog written by Tom Peters. Take a moment to look at it. (http://tompeters.com/blogs/freestuff/uploads/19Es_of_Excellence_011909.pdf). For me, this says it all. Let’s take a look at some of his Es.
- Exuberance
- Engaged
- Edginess
- Electronic
- Encompassing
- Emotion
- Empathy
- Ears (effective listening skills)
- Experienced
- Evan handed
At the end of the day, as the principal of your school, I think it is very fair and appropriate that you continually EXPECT EXCELLENCE. Expect excellence from those you work with and more importantly EXPECT EXCELLENCE OF YOURSELF!
Let me add one final shout out to all of the teachers out there inasmuch as it is National Teachers Appreciation Week. From this former administrator I appreciate all you do every day for our children. Thank you.
And finally, one last shout out to all for a Happy Mother’s Day.
