“Illegitimi Non Carborundum” - in mock Latin this means, “don’t let the bastards get you down!” In practicing and managing many or all of the 12 Issues Managers Face in the Workplace, you’ll notice a few additional issues to contend with.
The most significant issue is that you will be demanding excellence from yourself, and expecting excellence in your team and organization.
Individual Effect
Once you give yourself permission to bring your “A game” every day, you’ll wake up refreshed and excited to get going on your work. Problem is, you might find those around you a bit surprised that you are so motivated. Especially if you hadn’t been bringing that “A game” so often. This change is not that different from getting a new haircut, a new pair of glasses, or losing a lot of weight. People will see you differently, experience you in a different way. You’ll act different. Most importantly, you will feel different!
Team Effect
If your team isn’t used to being accountable for delivering projects on time, on budget and with superior quality, this expectation of excellence will be a big change. Resistance will be shown, or not (think passive/aggressive) and a certain ’soreness’ like a workout, will be felt. Keeping tight to goals and objectives will require your team to either get on the train, or feel left behind. Know that this is their issue, not yours.
I heard a story a few weeks ago about a team that went through some wrenching ‘excellence’ changes. One of the biggest resistors started wearing a tie a few months into the changes. When asked why he voluntarily started dressing more professionally, he said, “Things are better now. I have a new level of excellence to attain. I want to wear a tie.” The employee made the unprompted change. This change in dress code was not part of any methodology or excellence plan.
Organization Effect
Others in organizations are more reactive than proactive. Giving and requiring excellence are proactive and will bring out some significant reactions in your organization. You’ll start getting inputs on time. People will improve their quality to you, knowing that it will come back if they don’t produce. Others will openly try to pick apart everything you do. Remember, you have to deliver more excellence that you could ever expect to receive. There should never be any question of excellence in your work. Let the naysayers do what they wish - excellence is the path to accomplishing your goals and the mission of your organization.
Remember: “Illegitimi Non Carborundum!”
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Be ready for the change around you when you start to change. Be a student of the game! Keep your stance of curiosity. You will be amazed at what a difference one person, one team, can make in an organization. There is no need to defend excellence.
Joe Raasch :: Mar.22.2008 ::
Change Management, Employee Engagement, Leadership, Organizational Development, Performance Management ::
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