The Road For Your Company To Best In Class

In my opinion, companies that stand out and are best in their fields nearly always attribute their success to a combination of great people and a corporate culture of continuous improvement. This culture is one that offers opportunities for professional as well as personal development and encourages feedback, positive and constructive, sincerely exchanged between individuals at all levels, including the most senior executives. Everyone must strive to improve. People should offer to each another, regardless of title, "Here's what I think you did well and here's what I notice that you might do better."

A CEO who has humility, who accepts that she or he can always be better, has the strength and security to ask for feedback, and wants the company's people to grow and succeed by encouraging their ideas and making sure they feel valued, can create this high energy environment. This is the road to best in class!

No execs on high horses. This no longer gets by. It causes resentment, and weakens work ethic, loyalty, creativity and morale. Today's best leaders realize it’s okay to be vulnerable. In fact, allowing oneself to be vulnerable is very admirable and attractive. Others respect that. We all have strengths and yes, we all have development needs, i.e. things we could improve.

We want to cultivate a culture that fosters helping everyone learn and grow, people helping one another, and the entire company, as a team, striving for continuous improvement.

Starting with the CEO and executive ranks and reaching to every employee, the tone should be, "Yes, we are good at what we do and we must strive to be better – everyday! We must learn together, grow together, help one another.”

Watch the energy level and enthusiasm soar. It is exciting and rewarding to be a part of this type of corporate environment – everyone making a difference, sharing ideas and leaders sharing the spotlight, recognizing great work, giving positive reinforcement, asking questions and asking and wanting feedback.

To me, this is leadership at its finest and will lead to an exciting corporate culture – and a high performing company – the road to best in class!