Five Pillars of Excellence
1. Commitment
There can be no success without commitment. You must be willing to give yourself to the cause or vision when it is convenient or inconvenient, comfortable or uncomfortable. Fair weather “fans” make a lot of noise from the stands but they don’t help the team execute anything on the field. It’s the relationships built in the locker room that matter. Those are where the commitments are galvanized that lead to a team’s resolve to succeed. The players on the field fight for each other and the mission regardless of the scoreboard or jeering that may come from the bleachers.
Recommended: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
2. Communication
“One can lack any of the qualities of an organizer – with one exception – and still be effective and successful. That exception is the art of communication. It does not matter what you know about anything if you cannot communicate to your people. In that event you are not even a failure. You’re just not there. Communication with others takes place when they understand what you’re trying to get across to them. If they don’t understand, then you are not communicating regardless of your words, pictures or anything else. People only understand things in terms of their experience, which means that you must get within their experience.” (Saul Alinsky from the book Rules for Radicals)
3. Creativity
Our Creator designed us in His image, hardwired with the same kind of creative ingenuity. The first thing to get sacrificed on the altar of our overextended, overworked, and overloaded lifestyles, is CREATIVITY (the capacity to be artistically, socially, and strategically original). When we get fatigued, creativity is sapped. Therefore, if we are to keep our minds sharp and given to excellence through creative ingenuity, we must learn the rhythm of life. God gave us a sabbath not to be some religious rule, but because he knew we can’t function creatively without sufficient rest. For optimum creativity, we must have ample rest. Excellence depends upon it.
4. Preparation
It’s been said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I would say “blessing” is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. God blesses those who are prepared to receive the blessing. He who has been trustworthy with little, shall be given more (Matt 25:23). God will entrust success to those who are ready to steward success rightly. Noah didn’t build the ark overnight. It took a great deal of meticulous preparation to do the will of God. Solomon didn’t just build a temple, he gave himself to much preparation and planning before the construction began. Jesus told his followers he was going to prepare a place for them in heaven (John 14:3). He also warned that the servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating (Luke 12:47). Ouch. Our God is serious about preparation. It underpins excellence in our lives.
5. Delivery
This is all about execution. Do we come through when it counts? We’ve all witnessed pro athletes who do great in the regular season only to choke in the post season. Excellence is about coming through in the clutch when the game or season is on the line. That’s what makes great players. That’s what makes great teams. That’s what makes great organizations. In the business world, it’s about delivering quality products that your customers can trust in consistently. Your brand is not your logo, your tagline, or your product… it’s the REAL experience you give to customers. In ministry, it’s about giving our absolute best to the CAUSE of Christ, not just our words, vows, or promises. It’s about becoming a people who put our faith in ACTION consistently.
Are you a person of excellence? Is your organization built on the pillars of excellence?