Becoming A Yardstick of Excellence
POSTED IN: Blog Posts, Creativity, Leadership, Makes You Think
Photo by AuntiP
Have we grown too accustomed to accepting less than the best from ourselves and those that work with us?
I love this quote by Steve Jobs who has become well known for setting high standards for his company:
“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” – Steve Jobs
I’ve repeatedly said that every Church should be the hub of creativity and excellence in their community. They should send out the best authors, artists, businessmen and musicians.
I’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like when churches set standards of excellence that produce phenomenal results (example, example, example). I’ve seen the kind of people it attracts. And I’ve heard the message it sends to the community – we value excellence, we won’t settle for second-best.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Am I comparing my work against other “comparable” organizations or individuals or against what I know is my best?
- Do I stop short of what is required to take my projects or team to the next level or do I settle for “acceptable” results?
- Am I setting new standards for excellence in my field, job or organization or am I just trying to keep up with the standards others have set?
- Am I placing limitations on myself because of what I think is “possible” instead of reaching for the impossible?
Remember, excellence doesn’t have to do with size or budget. One of the most popular music videos a couple years back was produced for $10 on a borrowed camera and the highest record setting movie of 1999 was filmed for $35k but grossed $248 million. The only boxes that limit you are the ones you build in your mind. Excellence is bred by those who consistently attempt the impossible.
Food For Thought:
Do you feel you or your organization is a yardstick of quality or do you measure yourself by the standards others set?
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August 13, 2008
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I really think that my company sets itself to other people’s standards. GASP… I hope no one at work knows I just said that.
On another note… I think my church does an amazing job at really putting forth effort to be a yardstick of quality, so to speak. Our leaders and volunteers work really hard all the time and give their all. I’m blessed!
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August 13, 2008
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Dude you’ve got me thinking and in a good way. You’re really pumping out some yardstick stuff on this blog. Keep it up man.
GregQuallss last blog post..Beer 101 – Beer Glassware – Pilsner Glass
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August 13, 2008
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I’ve always been proud of our team here at CP for using the resources God has given us in the most effective way possible.
Sometimes they simply amaze me!
Pete Wilsons last blog post..I’m So Eating At Home Tonight!
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August 13, 2008
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my standard or yardstick isn’t the guy next door, it’s answering the question, “am i doing the best with what God has given me?”
if we bring our best and do it to God’s glory- then it’s an act of worship. perhaps quality would then be the byproduct of worship.
there, i went all spiritual on you.
jason salamuns last blog post..Hey Jealousy
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August 13, 2008
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@Jason – you’re totally right on. The real standard of measurement isn’t how we’re doing compared to so-and-so, but how are we doing with what God has given us? After all, that is the whole point behind the parable of the stewards.
Great input Jason.
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August 13, 2008
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Well written and thought out.
I have been one to believe that the church has done a disservice to itself in many ways. Since there is somewhat of a “captive” audience, there is no need to have excellence or in some case set standards.
When you study church history, you see that the church used to be the source for music and art. Churches themselves were built to glorify God. They were built to give people an idea of how big and beautiful our God is.
we need to capture that and proclaim that in everything we as artists do.
brent(inWorship)s last blog post..I Need A New Avatar
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August 13, 2008
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@Brent – Good point. It’s true, when you look at the church’s role throughout history you see it at the forefront of art, architecture and innovation (the Sistine Chapel, The printing press, etc)
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August 13, 2008
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“Am I placing limitations on myself because of what I think is “possible” instead of reaching for the impossible?”
ouch.
none of your business brad.
tams last blog post..i cant believe she asked me!
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August 13, 2008
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doesn’t Tam’s gravitar match the tone of her comment?
CJ Millss last blog post..More Heartwearming Stories Of My Little Girl
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August 13, 2008
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I totally agree! And those are great questions to keep in front of us.
I like what Erwin McManus (the heritic
) once said, “Jesus is the epicenter for creativity.” – If we serve the “creative” creator, why should we expect or give any less?
Growing up in a legalistic environment, I feel I had a lot of my creativity suppressed in an attempt to help me do the good religious thing and conform to everyone else’s level of thinking. They were firm believers that “One Size Fits All” in everything – I try to work hard at allowing God to use me for his ideas and his plans, even when they seem out of reach and impossible. Lately I have been holding to Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish ‘Infinitely’ more than we might ask or think.”
Nicks last blog post..Overcoming Obstacles in Leadership
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August 13, 2008
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CJ, I think tam picked that Avatar so she could say stuff like that
brent(inWorship)s last blog post..I Need A New Avatar
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August 13, 2008
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cj, i get that a lot. should i be concerned?
nah!
tams last blog post..i cant believe she asked me!
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August 13, 2008
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@Tam – Remind me not to tick you off. Now that CJ mentioned it, you’ve got the look of a mom who has had two kids on her nerves all day and is ready to snap at any moment. I know that look because I’ve seen it on Lisa before.
@CJ & Brent – Just speak softly and back away slowly…
@Nick – I can’t believe you’d quote that heretic McManus.
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August 13, 2008
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haha brad…the other half of that pic, is my son. im looking at him! he aint right!
tams last blog post..i cant believe she asked me!
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August 14, 2008
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Brad,
I have been on the other side…the company who thought they had a yardstick but in reality it was a popsical stick.
I am know in a company that is by far the yard stick of our industry (based right by you in Indy), and it is amazing how differently those of us hear act compared to our competition. In a good way. Confidence, maturity just to name a couple.
I am also lucky to have been a member of a church for several years that is also a yardstick in my community, very much like Pete’s at CP.
When you live like a yardstick, or be the yardstick, the most amazing things can happen and you can do what you were put here to do which is change other peoples lives.
Josephs last blog post..Statistics- Who Comes Up With This Stuff?
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August 15, 2008
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yes yes yes! such a great post.
i desire more excellence in our ministry (www.ThriveAfrica.org) than i’m currently experiencing, but it’s definitely something we’re pushing for constantly. time to crack the whip some more!
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August 16, 2008
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