Glenn’s Space: Refusing ‘No Worse Than Anyone Else’

While pulling no punches and telling it like it is, Tom Peters admonished a group of corporate executives to espouse a vision of excellence. He spoke to these leaders for several hours concerning product excellence, employee training, values, mission, and customer service.

Peters then opened the microphone for questions. Multiple attendees posed practical and philosophical questions on how to pursue “excellence” in their company.

Unable to restrain himself any longer, an irritated executive interrupted Peters to voice his dissatisfaction with the message. “I’m sick and tired of hearing all this stuff on excellence,” he blurted. “Our company is no worse than anyone else!”

Wouldn’t that be a great motto to hang over an organization’s entrance or print on stationary: “We’re no worse than anyone else.” Now That’s Vision!

The Joke of Being ‘No Worse’

I can’t imagine receiving medical treatment, buying a car seat for a child, flying with an airline, or building a home with companies who claim to be no worse than anyone else.

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was asked if he was nervous contemplating his trip into space. “Who wouldn’t be,” he responded. “There I was sitting on top of 9,999 parts and bits – each of which had been made by the lowest bidder!”

The Ministerial Association, in a small community, met to discuss the declining attendance in their churches. As the leaders discussed the predicament of their individual denominations, one pastor finally interjected, “It’s good to hear the rest of you are having trouble as well. At least we’re no worse than anyone else.”

The “we’re no worse than anyone else” attitude debilitates personal and organization excellence.

Rising Above

Those with the courage to rise above the current level of mediocrity will enjoy a distinct advantage. Their vision propels and compels them to new levels of performance. Lawrence Miller offered this sound advice: "The achievement of excellence can only occur if the organization promotes a culture of creative dissatisfaction."

Outrunning You, Not the Bear

I’m reminded of the story of the two backpackers who spotted a grizzly bear stalking them. One person calmly sits down, takes off her hiking boots, and puts on a pair of running shoes. “What good will that do?” asks her companion. “You can’t outrun the grizzly.” Lacing up her shoes, the friend responds, “I just have to stay ahead of you.”

A commitment to be our best, creating a culture of creative dissatisfaction and taking corresponding action are the running shoes that keep us one step ahead of the “we’re no worse than anyone else” crowd.

“Once you say you’re going to settle for second,” said John F. Kennedy, “that’s what happens to you in life, I find.”

Your mission (should you decide to accept it) is to create a compelling vision of excellence, sustain your commitment, hold tight to courage, and light a fire of passion that drives you to destroy the status quo. Envision a future, or a present for that matter, which paints a picture of who you are and where you want to be.

Questions to Ponder:

Where have we settled for the status quo?

How do we avoid the “we’re no worse than anyone else” mentality?

What do you want to look like, feel like, and be like?