“Good is the enemy of great!” Voltaire. Several years ago as I read Good to Great by Jim Collins I was reminded of this Voltaire quote and realized how true it is. How many times have you been to a restaurant with great food but the service is lacking, have they settled for good over great? We all have our favorite restaurant, car dealer, furniture store that just seem to get it. You always walk away thinking that was a great experience. First let’s look at what the Bible has to say on the subject, there are many passage but here are a few of my favorites on the subject. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 NLT. If we are called to be representatives of Christ, should we strive for excellence?
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelations 3:15-16 NLT. I think the message is clear on this one, don’t you?
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23. Once again we are called to work as to the Lord, with excellence!
So let’s look at excellence practically and consider how it leads to being great. Aristotle said “excellence is what we rapidly do, thus excellence is not a skill but a habit” I agree. Moving from good to great starts with you and a strong set of core values. Without a strong set of core values that keep you focused on what defines you and your commitment to being great, you will be like a ship without a rudder!
Here are some additional points to consider to be great:
Set an example by striving to be great in all your dealings with employees and customers.
Clearly set high standards for customer service and product delivery.
Do what you say you will do and exceed customer expectations.
Admit mistakes and take extraordinary measures to correct them.
Treat everyone with courtesy and respect.
Stay connected to your client base, set the example.
Be relentless about quality in your products and services.
Have an attitude of gratitude!
At the end of the day there is a fine line between being just good and being truly great, but it’s the attention to detail and your commitment to being the best in your given field.
Here is a final thought for you to consider from 2 Peter 1:10…“So, dear brothers and sisters,work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.”
Be great!