Leadership is not just about guiding a team; it’s about setting a standard of excellence that inspires others to strive for their best. As Vince Lombardi said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour.” This reflects on how one needs to always aspire to be better than their previous self in order to succeed in life.
Michael Phelps, the legendary Olympian, didn’t achieve greatness by merely participating. He chased excellence relentlessly. His dedication to his craft, countless hours of practice, and unyielding commitment to excellence transformed him into a symbol of triumph. Phelps once said, “I think goals should never be easy; they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.”
His leadership in the pool was not just about winning medals but setting a standard of excellence that reverberates beyond sports. Leaders can draw from Phelps’s journey by instilling a culture of continuous improvement, setting challenging yet achievable goals, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to excellence.
Similarly, in the world of business, Richard Branson stands tall as a beacon of leadership excellence. He built the Virgin Group from the ground up, not by playing it safe but by pushing boundaries and aiming for excellence in everything he pursued. Branson’s leadership philosophy is summed up in his words, “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.”
His unconventional approach to business and leadership reflects a commitment to excellence that goes beyond traditional norms. Branson encourages leaders to embrace innovation, take calculated risks, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
As we reflect on the journeys of Michael Phelps and Richard Branson, it is evident that leadership excellence is rooted in the pursuit of personal and collective excellence. Striving for excellence involves setting high standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and inspiring others to embark on their own quests for greatness.
Choosing the first E, Excellence, is the foundational step towards achieving leadership excellence. Leadership is not just a responsibility but a legacy—a legacy of inspiring others to aim higher, strive harder, and achieve beyond what they thought possible.