Probably a cliche' phrase right? Yet, it's
some of the most powerful work in terms of propelling an organization to
greatness. I think I most remember Jimmy Casas use the phrase on a tour of
Bettendorf High School. While that was the first I remember it articulated that
way, I realized that I had been living my life under that paradigm for quite
some time......but in my world, it was phrased differently: Do the little things well. As a band director, I always pushed my
band to do the little things well. We hold our instruments this way, we hang
our uniforms on hangers this way, we stack our music chair this way, we hold
our heads high this way, when we backwards march we use a french releve' ballet
step with a slightly unlocked knee creating 4-5 inches of space between the
heel and ground on the execution of the move.......and on and on. While some
thought my anal retentiveness was reaching new uncharted levels of insanity
(that may or may not require medication), there was a method in the madness. My
bands were becoming highly disciplined, highly productive, and highly successful.
Another funny thing happened......we started winning competitions. Yet, we
never focused on winning. It was never our intended outcome. Rather, we just
felt, if we're going to do it, darn it, we're going to do it right. A culture
of excellence is doing the little things well.
Culture is defined by the unspoken actions and traditions that define your
relationships. Do your unspoken actions and traditions (the little things)
speak of excellence?
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