Do you remember the AT&T commercials with the theme “Just OK is not OK?” They hilariously depicted businesses delivering subpar work, like the brake shop whose motto was, “If the brakes don’t stop it, something will!” The message was clear—just OK is not OK.

As leaders, we know that excellence must be the expectation, not the exception. No one wants a mediocre organization or team—we want to be great! The best organizations don’t just chase excellence—it oozes from every part of the team as a byproduct of a strong culture. When leaders foster an environment where people belong, are committed and invested, and are held to high standards, excellence follows naturally.

When excellence is a part of your culture, it’s likely because the leaders set the tone through being consistently committed to the people they are leading. Simply put, they show up! Leaders who cut corners or prioritize short-term wins send a message that “good enough” is acceptable. But those who model excellence in their daily actions inspire their teams to rise to the challenge.

Excellence isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up every day and doing the little things right.

The Leadership Challenge: 3 Ways to Model Consistent Commitment

1. Make Certain Decisions Only Once
   Decision fatigue drains leaders. Instead of constantly debating core values, decide once and stick to it. For example, if a business leader commits to prioritizing high-value client relationships instead of chasing every potential lead, they don’t need to re-evaluate that decision weekly. By focusing on strategic clients, they ensure long-term growth rather than short-term wins.
2. Use Commitment Devices to Stay the Course
   A commitment device is a tool that keeps you accountable. Good practices include setting calendar reminders and telling others you will be there (and asking them to hold you to it). Great leaders remove the option to fail on their commitments.
3. Coach Yourself By Asking, “What Would a Great ****_____ Do?”
   When faced with a decision, ask, “What would a great leader do?” When you fill in the blank, the choice often becomes obvious. If you are torn between answering emails or engaging with your team, ask “What would a great leader do?” The obvious answer is to engage with your team. The secret is that you aren’t actually asking yourself to choose between the two options. You’re asking yourself to choose between leadership greatness and leadership mediocrity.

The Turk: Excellence is Everywhere

In 1770, Wolfgang von Kempelen introduced “The Turk,” a chess-playing automaton that wowed audiences by playing chess against real-life humans. The Turk was good! It even defeated renowned players like Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon. For decades, people believed The Turk was an early form of artificial intelligence.

But it was a hoax. Inside the machine was a human chess player, manipulating the moves from a hidden compartment. How did Kempelen get chess masters into the box? He didn’t!  Kempelen only convinced ‘good’ players to become the Turk. But once they got inside, the environment made them great. Being a part of something bigger made them play better. 

This is the power of culture. Excellence isn’t rare—it’s everywhere! It just needs the right environment. People flourish when their leader challenges them to rise to the occasion and pushes them to be more than they ever could. Excellence never takes place outside of a performance context. When people feel valued and their leaders add value to them, the sky is the limit.

Reflection: Excellence isn’t rare. It’s everywhere. It’s the result of a strong culture and committed leadership.

Ask yourself:

• “What environment am I creating to ensure excellence thrives in my organization?”

• “In what ways do I need to model consistent commitment to my team?”

• “How can my team focus more on enduring accomplishment and less on evanescent achievement?”