Quality, Transformation, and Excellence are enduring terms in business that resonate to those tasked with execution and service. I was recently was asked to talk about what it would take to be “world class”. As I prepare, I realize that there are a series of building blocks that transcend culture, function, and time. The first is rests with starting at the center and with the facts.
When there is talk about winning or being the best, I often find myself distracted by side issues and interesting segues. As fun as each might be, they are not a foundation I can use to build on. I need to know where I am. With that, I must start at the center. For me, I know this is not with my head but with my heart.
Life reminds me that building blocks always rest on what is. The situation, be it the ground and environment where a building is going to or where I find myself at in life, matters. Without the facts, I am building on myth and imagination. While it might be fun, it will not support anything that will last.
Life also reminds me that the facts are never enough. Even if I get them from outside to in, from what others can see to what I am willing and then can see, it is not a whole foundation. There needs to be a connection between heart, head, and facts. One writer noted that when it comes to spiritual things, “When you speak forth God’s truth, speak your heart out.” (1 Corinthians 14.39)
When you put these together, you have a story. Examples include works of art, plans, projects and conversations. When a story is told in a connected way, outside to in, facts to heart, others have an opportunity to hear and experience something mysteriously powerful. It is a priceless gift others have shared with me. I hope I am able to share a story or two with others today. It is a wonderful way to help others as I have and am being helped.
