We’ve always wanted to tackle the thorny issues that plague the workplace. So, when creating Luckett & Liles, we turned to design thinking to discover that magical combination of what people want, what we can provide, and how they translate into meaningful business services. We spoke with friends and colleagues, researched talent and culture, and brainstormed skills and interests.
Our efforts yielded four professional attributes on which to base our services: creativity, life-long learning, problem-solving, and, most importantly, excellence. Throughout our careers, we have witnessed how each of these attributes can fundamentally shape individuals, teams, and organizations.
Of the four, excellence has become increasingly elusive. We all want to be excellent. At a young age, we’re taught to do our best — learn, grow, try again. But with many organizations adopting attitudes of “good enough,” doing one’s best is all but cliché in the modern workplace.
Leadership expert Steve Keating had this eye-opening take: “If you’re a CEO that rewards mediocrity and indifference then don’t be surprised when that’s what you get from your people.” Of course, no one sets out to reward mediocrity. Rather, it becomes the default when we fail to actively cultivate excellence.
Excellence must be nurtured and embedded into workplace culture at all levels. This approach not only improves performance but fuels job satisfaction and clarifies purpose. It illuminates our true gifts so we may use them to serve others and use them well.
Discover your organization’s inner excellence. We’re here to help.