The Standard Is the Standard

by Melody Stacy

Would you be interested in buying a pair of Nikes if one shoe was several centimeters longer than the other? What about some Apple AirPods that are too quiet to hear?

No?

For this reason, companies have specifications on what their standard of success is. And it’s not just for products.

When you fly Southwest, it’s obvious that being friendly and not taking yourself too seriously is a part of their criteria of success. And while the proof is in the pudding, so to speak, we can also see Southwest’s standard all through their purpose, vision, and values.

What is your standard of success?

When working as a cohesive, effective team, everyone is clear on the yardstick we’re using. And no one apologizes for it.

High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. - Charles Kettering

Determining the standard includes defining and being crystal clear on core values, mission, and vision, then communicating expectations around those.

Who is owning your standard of success?

When we are all communicating and committed to the same benchmarks, it makes it easier for all team members to support each other and ensure our efforts are measuring up.

On good teams coaches hold players accountable, on great teams players hold players accountable. – Joe Dumars

One of the most powerful ways to help build this in a culture is through carefronting, a method of communication that includes caring enough about the team's vision and goals to confront conflict courageously in a self-asserting, responsible, and respectful manner. (See more about carefronting here.)

Building commitment and shared accountability throughout the team creates momentum and propels us toward success.

There are certainly times we as leaders need to apologize. Having a standard for success is not one of them.

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