What are you thankful for? I am thankful for the opportunity to share my musings with a community committed to growing as leaders. Today I want to explore what it means to be outstanding. So, what is the genesis of outstanding performance? This is a common topic of discussion during many executive coaching sessions. Leaders often look for ways to promote outstanding performance in those they lead. This usually involves leaders trying to understand what distinguishes truly outstanding work from the rest. It also usually involves a desire to understand the spark that leads to outstanding performance. Several weeks ago, I had the honor to be the keynote speaker at the Virginia Jaycees Outstanding Young Virginians Dinner. This event is modeled after the U.S. Jaycees Outstanding Young Americans Award, and both have a long history of celebrating the accomplishments of extraordinary young people.
During my remarks, I made a statement that prompted some interesting discussion at the reception that followed the awards dinner. I said that people we typically describe as “outstanding” don’t do what they do for the sake of being called outstanding. Several people challenged this assertion. They stated that no one reaches the level of excellence worthy of the label “outstanding” without committing to be outstanding. For me this is a “chicken and egg debate.” Which comes first? Do outstanding performers decide they will be outstanding and then commit themselves to a worthy endeavor, or do they find something so important that they couldn’t imagine doing it in a way other than outstanding?

I believe that those people who earn the distinction of being called “outstanding” possess some combination of both. I am inclined to believe that they start with something worth doing. This then unleashes an innate desire to achieve outstanding results. However, several people I spoke with that Saturday evening believed the desire to be outstanding can reveal opportunities to fulfill that desire. What do you think? What comes first – the desire to be outstanding or to do something worth doing? Share your thoughts with the If You Will Lead Community.