Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

It’s Only Common Sense: Going Well Beyond the Norm

Being the best is never easy. When you study the life of elite athletes, for example, you will find a list of characteristics that typically puts plain old hard work at the top. These athletes work harder than anyone else. They’re the first ones there in the morning and the last to leave at the end of the day. They literally live and breathe what they are doing. They don’t allow themselves any breaks, excuses, or cop outs. They are, as we say, all in.

The same mentality applies to organizations and companies. If a company wants to be great, it must be all in by creating an aura of greatness that is unsurpassed by any other company in their field.

Want a formidable but attainable goal? Be the best in your industry. Be the most sought-after company to work with. You can do it, but remember that it requires a combination of innovative strategies, exceptional leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Most of all, it requires a culture of excellence where you accept nothing less. Company leaders create a culture that not only includes everyone but “intoxicates” each member of the team with an elixir of excellence. Everyone is driven to be the best they can be, both as individuals and as teams.

Being great takes hard work, commitment, creativity, persistence, and most of all, true passion to be the best.

In some ways, achieving as a great company is much more difficult than an individual effort. A single person only worries about themselves, their performance, and their accomplishment, while an organization striving for perfection must have 100% from everyone. In a company, you take care of yourself and everyone else too. Remember, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Think of a sports team with a star player. In many cases, those great players are not great teammates. For example, how valuable was Wilt Chamberlain as a teammate? What does his record of 100 points in a game really say about his contribution as a team player?

Building a great team or company involves several key ingredients, and I have compiled my own list of ingredients to help you and your company achieve greatness in the marketplace.

1. Define a clear vision and mission: Start by defining a compelling vision and mission for your company. Your vision should inspire both employees and clients, and provide a sense of purpose and direction.
2. Focus on innovation: Embrace a culture of innovation by encouraging employees to think creatively and invest in research and development. Stay ahead of industry trends. Be a pioneer, not a follower.
3. Build a strong brand: Develop a distinctive brand identity that communicates your company's values, strengths, and uniqueness. Consistency in branding across all touchpoints is essential.
4. Deliver exceptional quality: Consistently deliver high-quality products or services. Strive for excellence in every aspect of your business, from product development to customer service.
5. Customer-centric approach: Put the customer at the center of everything you do. Listen to their needs, gather feedback, and adapt your offerings accordingly.
6. Employee engagement: Foster a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged. Happy employees are more likely to provide exceptional service.
7. Continuous learning and development: Invest in ongoing training and development programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of your employees. Encourage lifelong learning.
8. Embrace diversity and inclusion: Promote diversity in your workforce, recognizing that diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity.
9. Sustainable practices: Commit to environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices. Consumers and employees increasingly value companies that prioritize sustainability.
10. Strong leadership: Effective leadership is crucial. Cultivate leaders who are visionary, empathetic, and capable of making tough decisions.
11. Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with strategic partners to expand your reach and offer complementary services. Choose partners who share your values and goals.
12. Market research: Stay informed about market trends and consumer behavior. Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions.
13. Transparency: Be open and transparent in your communications with both clients and employees. Trust is essential in building strong relationships.
14. Employee empowerment: Empower your employees to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the company's success. Encourage autonomy and creativity.
15. Customer experience: Provide an exceptional customer experience at every touchpoint, from initial contact to post-purchase support.
16. Flexibility and adaptability: Be willing to adapt to changing circumstances and market conditions. Flexibility is essential for long-term success.
17. Community engagement: Be an active and responsible corporate citizen by engaging with and giving back to the communities where you operate.
18. Technology integration: Embrace technology to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance the customer experience. Stay at the forefront of digital transformation.
19. Employee recognition and rewards: Recognize and reward employees for their hard work and achievements. A motivated workforce is a productive one.
20. Measuring and improving: Continuously measure and assess your performance through key performance indicators and customer feedback. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and take action.

Finally, when you become the best in your industry, everyone wants to work with you. It requires a holistic approach that encompasses vision, innovation, quality, customer focus, employee engagement, and more. It's a journey that demands ongoing commitment and dedication. By implementing these 20 strategies, you can set your company on the path to excellence and become a true industry leader. Remember that it's not just about reaching the top but staying there through continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving business landscape.

It’s only common sense.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.