Your best work?
Your Best Work?
Years ago, I vividly recall a mentor of mine telling an anecdote about his experience at the rental car counter. A frequent traveler, he was an intergalactic ultra-all-world titanium club member (close enough) with this particular well-known, high-end brand. He checked in, grabbed his keys, and headed to the car.
As he slid his bag into the back seat, he was confident they had made a mistake. The car was haphazardly parked, dirty, smelled “unique,” and was nowhere near what he was accustomed to.
He quickly returned to the counter to ask about the vehicle’s condition. The desk agent mumbled momentarily about the challenging weekend, the late turn-in of vehicles, etc., etc.
Unfazed, my friend looked them in the eyes and simply said, “I’m sorry to hear that, but is this vehicle a representation of your best work?”
Message received.
Moments later, he was on his way in a different black sedan that looked like it had just rolled off the showroom floor.
While the story reminds me of the importance of challenging those around us to be their best, I think we should be having a significantly more important conversation with ourselves.
Am I offering those around me my best work? And, more importantly, am I providing them with the training, tools, and environment they need to create their best work?
Before I can insist on their best, have I:
Removed as many simple obstacles as possible?
Created a space where failure is OK? (In our world, it’s OK to be wrong IF you’re trying to be right.)
Provided them with the training they need to achieve high performance?
Exposed them to examples of high performance that they can pattern their work after?
Been an example by providing my best for them?
High expectations are a critical key to high performance, but if we’re only asking others for their best and not giving ours, I think we’re missing the point.
Have a killer week!