tom peters excellence.always. shanghai/25-27 april 2009

Tom Peters’Tom Peters’

Excellence.Excellence.Always.Always.

Shanghai/25-27 April 2009Shanghai/25-27 April 2009

NOTENOTE:: To appreciateTo appreciate this presentation this presentation [and ensure [and ensure

that it is not a that it is not a messmess],], you need you need Microsoft fonts:Microsoft fonts:

“Showcard Gothic,”“Showcard Gothic,” “Ravie,”“Ravie,” “Chiller”“Chiller”

andand “Verdana”“Verdana”

HISTORY/BIASES …HISTORY/BIASES …

HISTORY/BIASESHISTORY/BIASES

ENGINEER (CIVIL)ENGINEER (CIVIL)1986/“SCHOLAR EXCHANGE PROGRAM” 1986/“SCHOLAR EXCHANGE PROGRAM” CALIFORNIA 35/“CALIFORNIAN”/CALIFORNIA 35/“CALIFORNIAN”/ SILICON VALLEY/ENTREPRENEURSHIP SILICON VALLEY/ENTREPRENEURSHIP“BRIC”!/“BUSINESSMAN”“BRIC”!/“BUSINESSMAN”LUCKY/IN GENERAL/64 COUNTRIESLUCKY/IN GENERAL/64 COUNTRIES“NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN”/ “NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN”/ PEOPLE. PEOPLE. PEOPLE. PEOPLE. PEOPLE. PEOPLE. ACTION > TALK, ACTION > TALK, EXECUTION > PLANS EXECUTION > PLANS EXCELLENCE (WHAT ELSE?) EXCELLENCE (WHAT ELSE?) “HARD IS SOFT. SOFT IS HARD. “HARD IS SOFT. SOFT IS HARD.“DON’T RUSH” (WE’LL DO WHAT WE DO. “DON’T RUSH” (WE’LL DO WHAT WE DO. WE WON’T DO WHAT WE DON’T DO.) WE WON’T DO WHAT WE DON’T DO.)

AGENDAAGENDA

Part ONE … EXCELLENCE. ALWAYS./25.04Part ONE … EXCELLENCE. ALWAYS./25.04Part TWO … INNOVATION IMPERATIVE,Part TWO … INNOVATION IMPERATIVE, the NEXT STEP/26.04 the NEXT STEP/26.04Part THREE … PEOPLE-PEOPLE-PEOPLE.Part THREE … PEOPLE-PEOPLE-PEOPLE. PERIOD./26-7.04 PERIOD./26-7.04Part FOUR … LEADERSHIP for EXCELLENCEPart FOUR … LEADERSHIP for EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION/27.04 & INNOVATION/27.04

AGENDAAGENDA

Part ONE … EXCELLENCE.ALWAYS./25.04Part ONE … EXCELLENCE.ALWAYS./25.04Part TWO … INNOVATION IMPERATIVE,Part TWO … INNOVATION IMPERATIVE, the NEXT STEP/26.04 the NEXT STEP/26.04Part THREE … PEOPLE-PEOPLE-PEOPLE.Part THREE … PEOPLE-PEOPLE-PEOPLE. PERIOD./26-7.04 PERIOD./26-7.04Part FOUR … LEADERSHIP for EXCELLENCEPart FOUR … LEADERSHIP for EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION/27.04 & INNOVATION/27.04

Part ONEPart ONE

““The doctor The doctor interruptsinterrupts after …*after …*

*Source: Jerome Groopman, *Source: Jerome Groopman, How Doctors ThinkHow Doctors Think

1818””

Conrad Hilton, at a gala Conrad Hilton, at a gala celebrating his career,celebrating his career,

was asked, “What was the was asked, “What was the most important lesson most important lesson

you’ve learned in your long you’ve learned in your long and distinguished career?” and distinguished career?”

His immediate answer …His immediate answer …

““remember remember to tuck the to tuck the

shower curtain shower curtain inside the inside the bathtubbathtub””

““Execution Execution isis strategy.”strategy.”

—Fred Malek—Fred Malek

*Listening is of the*Listening is of the

utmost … utmost … strategicstrategic

importance! importance!*Listening is …*Listening is …

trainabletrainable !!(** (** “Strategic listening”“Strategic listening” will be a will be a corecore coursecourse in TP’s in TP’s MBA/GTD curriculum!) MBA/GTD curriculum!)

The Heart of The Heart of Business Strategy: Business Strategy:

48 Things That 48 Things That Matter*Matter*

*See Appendix ONE*See Appendix ONE

““Thank you.” Minimum several times a day.Thank you.” Minimum several times a day. Measure it.Measure it.““Thank you” to everyone even peripherallyThank you” to everyone even peripherally involved in some activity—especially thoseinvolved in some activity—especially those “ “deep in the hierarchy.”deep in the hierarchy.”Smile. Work on it.Smile. Work on it.Apologize. Even if “they” are “mostly” toApologize. Even if “they” are “mostly” to blame.blame.Jump all over those who play the “blameJump all over those who play the “blame game.” game.”

Hire enthusiasm.Hire enthusiasm.Low enthusiasm. No hire. Any job.Low enthusiasm. No hire. Any job.Hire optimists. Everywhere. (“Positive Hire optimists. Everywhere. (“Positive outlook on life,” not mindless optimism.)outlook on life,” not mindless optimism.)Hiring: Would you like to go to lunch withHiring: Would you like to go to lunch with him-her. 100% of jobs.him-her. 100% of jobs.

““Nothing is so Nothing is so contagious as contagious as enthusiasm.”enthusiasm.”

—Samuel Taylor Coleridge

““I am a I am a dispenser of dispenser of

enthusiasm.”enthusiasm.”

—Ben Zander

““Mapping your Mapping your competitive competitive position”position”

or …or …

The “Have The “Have you …” 50*you …” 50*

*See Appendix TWO*See Appendix TWO

1. Have you in 1. Have you in thethe last 10 days … last 10 days … visited a visited a customecustomer?r?2. Have you called 2. Have you called aa customer … customer … TODAYTODAY??

In Search of …In Search of …

In Search of …In Search of …

ExcellenceExcellence

““Excellence can be obtained if you:Excellence can be obtained if you: ... care more than others think is wise; ... care more than others think is wise; ... risk more than others think is safe; ... risk more than others think is safe; ... dream more than others think ... dream more than others think is practical;is practical; ... expect more than others think ... expect more than others think is possible.”is possible.”

Source: Anon. (Posted @ tompeters.com by K.Sriram, November 27, 2006 1:17 AM)

If not Excellence, If not Excellence, What? If Not What? If Not Excellence Now, Excellence Now,

When? When? Excellence. Always. Excellence. Always.

Period. Period.

EXCELLENCE =EXCELLENCE =

PurityPurityTranscendenceTranscendence

VirtueVirtueEleganceEleganceMajestyMajesty

OR …OR …

MediocrityMediocrity

““Insanely Insanely Great”Great”

““Radically Radically thrilling”thrilling”

BMW

Kevin Roberts’ CredoKevin Roberts’ Credo

11.. Ready. Fire! Aim. Ready. Fire! Aim.

2.2. If it ain’t broke ... Break it! If it ain’t broke ... Break it!

3.3. Hire crazies. Hire crazies.

4.4. Ask dumb questions. Ask dumb questions.

5.5. Pursue failure. Pursue failure.

6.6. Lead, follow ... or get out of the way! Lead, follow ... or get out of the way!

7.7. Spread confusion. Spread confusion.

8.8. Ditch your office. Ditch your office.

9.9. Read odd stuff. Read odd stuff.

10. Avoid moderationAvoid moderation!!

““You do not merely want to You do not merely want to

be the best of the best.be the best of the best. You want to be You want to be considered the considered the

only ones who do only ones who do what you dowhat you do.” .” —Jerry

Garcia

““Do one Do one thing every thing every

day that day that scares you.”scares you.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt


Excellence.Excellence.Always.Always.

Shanghai/25 April 2009Shanghai/25 April 2009


Excellence.Excellence.now.now.

More than ever.More than ever.Shanghai/25 April 2009Shanghai/25 April 2009

Slides at …Slides at …

tompeters.comtompeters.com

19771977Palo AltoPalo Alto

MBWMBWAA

19821982

Excellence1982: The Bedrock “Eight Basics”Excellence1982: The Bedrock “Eight Basics”

1. A Bias for 1. A Bias for ActionAction2. Close to the 2. Close to the CustomerCustomer3. 3. AutonomAutonomyy and and EntreEntreppreneurshireneurshipp4. Productivity Through 4. Productivity Through PeoPeopplele5. 5. Hands OnHands On, , Value-DrivenValue-Driven6. 6. Stick toStick to the Knitting the Knitting7. 7. SimSimpplele Form, Form, LeanLean Staff Staff8. Simultaneous 8. Simultaneous Loose-TightLoose-Tight Properties” Properties”

““Breakthrough” 82*Breakthrough” 82*

People! People! CustomersCustomers

! ! Action! Action! Values! Values!

**In Search of ExcellenceIn Search of Excellence

Hard Is SoftHard Is SoftSoft Is HardSoft Is Hard

Hard Is Hard Is SoftSoft (Plans, (Plans, ##ss))

Soft Is Soft Is HardHard (people, (people, customers, values, customers, values,

relationships))relationships))

ExIn*: 1982-2002/Forbes.com

DJIA: $10,000 yields $85,000$85,000 EI: $10,000 yields $140,050$140,050

*Forbes/Excellence Index /Basket of 32 publicly traded stocks

Importance of Success Factors by VariousImportance of Success Factors by Various “Gurus”/(Unreliable) Estimates by Tom Peters“Gurus”/(Unreliable) Estimates by Tom Peters

StrategyStrategy SystemsSystems PeoplePeople PassionPassion

Porter Porter 5050%% 2020 20 10 20 10

Drucker 25% Drucker 25% 3535 25 15 25 15

Bennis 25% 20 30 Bennis 25% 20 30 25 25

Peters 15% 20 Peters 15% 20 3535 3030

20072007SiberiaSiberia

Why in Why in the the World did World did youyou go to go to SiberiaSiberia??

EnterpriseEnterprise* ** (*at its best):* ** (*at its best): An An emotionalemotional, , vitalvital, , innovativeinnovative, , joyfuljoyful, , creativecreative, , entrepreneurialentrepreneurial endeavor that endeavor that elicits maximumelicits maximum

concerted human concerted human potential potential in the in the wholeheartedwholehearted serviceservice of othersof others.******Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Communities, Owners, Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Communities, Owners, Temporary partnersTemporary partners

Business Excellence: The The Ultimate Ultimate CreativeCreative

Endeavor.Endeavor.

Business Excellence: The The Ultimate Ultimate Personal Personal

Development-Development-GrowthGrowth

Experience.Experience.

Business Excellence: The The Ultimate Ultimate

Transcendent Transcendent Service Service

OpportunityOpportunity..

“To me business isn’t To me business isn’t about wearing suits or about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders.pleasing stockholders. It’s about being true to It’s about being true to yourself, your ideas and yourself, your ideas and

focusing on the focusing on the essentialsessentials.”.” —Richard Branson

20072007SydneSydne

yy

Organizations Organizations existexist to to serveserve. Period.. Period.

Leaders Leaders live live toto serveserve. Period.. Period.

… … no less than no less than CathedralsCathedrals

in which the full and in which the full and awesome power of the awesome power of the

Imagination and Spirit and Imagination and Spirit and native Entrepreneurial flairnative Entrepreneurial flair

of diverse individualsof diverse individuals is is unleashed in passionate unleashed in passionate pursuit of … pursuit of … ExcellenceExcellence..

Organizing GeniusOrganizing Genius / Warren Bennis / Warren Bennis and Patricia Ward Biederman and Patricia Ward Biederman

“Groups become great only when “Groups become great only when everyone in them, leaders and everyone in them, leaders and

members alike, members alike, is free to do his or is free to do his or her absolute besther absolute best.”.”

“The best thing a leader can do for a “The best thing a leader can do for a

Great Group is to Great Group is to allow its allow its members to discover their members to discover their

ggreatnessreatness.”.”

Leaders’ “Mt Everest Test”Leaders’ “Mt Everest Test”

“free to do his or her “free to do his or her absolute best” …absolute best” …

“allow its members “allow its members to discover their to discover their

greatness.”greatness.”

CauseCause (worthy of commitment)(worthy of commitment)

SpaceSpace (room for/encouragement(room for/encouragement

for initiative) for initiative)

DecencyDecency (respect, (respect,

humane)humane)


SpaceSpace (room for/encouragement(room for/encouragement

for initiative-adventures) for initiative-adventures)

DecencyDecency (respect, grace,(respect, grace,

integrity, humane) integrity, humane)

service service (worthy of our clients’ & (worthy of our clients’ &

extended extended family’s continuing custom) family’s continuing custom)

excellenceexcellence (period) (period)


SpaceSpace (room for/encouragement for initiative-(room for/encouragement for initiative-

adventures) adventures)

DecencyDecency (respect, grace, integrity, humane)(respect, grace, integrity, humane)

service service (worthy of our clients’ & extended (worthy of our clients’ & extended

family’s continuing custom) family’s continuing custom)

excellenceexcellence (period) (period)

servant servant leadership leadership

CauseCause

SpaceSpace

DecencyDecency

serviceserviceexcellenceexcellence

servant leadership servant leadership

20092009ShanghaiShanghai

20092009ShanghaiShanghai

(Amsterdam)(Amsterdam)(Helsinki)(Helsinki)(Tallinn)(Tallinn)(Vilnius)(Vilnius)

(San Antonio)(San Antonio)(Bogota)(Bogota)

(Abu Dhabi)(Abu Dhabi)

““You have to You have to treat your treat your

employees like employees like customers.”customers.” —Herb Kelleher, —Herb Kelleher,

complete answer, upon being asked his “secrets to success”complete answer, upon being asked his “secrets to success”

Source: Joe Nocera, Source: Joe Nocera, NYTNYT, “Parting Words of an Airline Pioneer,” on the occasion , “Parting Words of an Airline Pioneer,” on the occasion of Herb Kelleher’s retirement after 37 years at Southwest Airlines (SWA’s pilots of Herb Kelleher’s retirement after 37 years at Southwest Airlines (SWA’s pilots

union took out a full-page ad in USA Today thanking HK for all he had done; union took out a full-page ad in USA Today thanking HK for all he had done; across theacross the

way in Dallas American Airlines’ pilots were picketing the Annual Meeting)way in Dallas American Airlines’ pilots were picketing the Annual Meeting)

The Customer The Customer Comes SecondComes Second

——Hal Rosenbluth and Diane McFerrin Peters* (*no relation)Hal Rosenbluth and Diane McFerrin Peters* (*no relation)

““We are a We are a ‘Life ‘Life

Success’ Success’ Company.”Company.”

Dave Liniger, founder, RE/MAX

““Managing winds up being Managing winds up being the management of the the management of the allocation of resources allocation of resources

against tasks. Leadership against tasks. Leadership

focuses on people. focuses on people. MMyy definition of a leader definition of a leader

is someone who is someone who helhelpps s ppeoeopple le

succeedsucceed.”.” —Carol Bartz, Yahoo!—Carol Bartz, Yahoo!

The Dream ManagerThe Dream Manager —Matthew Kelly—Matthew Kelly

“An organization can only become the-best-version-of-itself to “An organization can only become the-best-version-of-itself to the extent that the people who drive that organization are the extent that the people who drive that organization are

striving to become better-versions-of-themselves.” “A striving to become better-versions-of-themselves.” “A company’s purpose is to become the-best-version-of-itself. The company’s purpose is to become the-best-version-of-itself. The

question is:question is: What is an emploWhat is an employyee’s ee’s ppururppose? ose? Most would saMost would sayy, ‘to hel, ‘to helpp the com the comppananyy

achieve its achieve its ppururppose’—but theose’—but theyy would be would be wronwrong. g. That is certainlThat is certainlyy part of the part of the emploemployyee’s role, but an emploee’s role, but an employyee’s ee’s

pprimarrimaryy ppururppose is to become the-best-ose is to become the-best-version-of-himself or –herselfversion-of-himself or –herself.. … When a … When a

company forgets that it exists to serve customers, it quickly company forgets that it exists to serve customers, it quickly

goes out of business.goes out of business. Our employees are our first Our employees are our first customers, and our most important customers, and our most important

customers.”customers.”

““I have always I have always believed that the believed that the

purpose of the purpose of the corporation is to be corporation is to be

a blessing to the a blessing to the employees.”employees.” —Boyd Clarke —Boyd Clarke

““The role of the Director is to The role of the Director is to create a space where the actors create a space where the actors

and actresses canand actresses can become become more than they’ve more than they’ve ever been before, ever been before, more than they’ve more than they’ve

dreamed of beingdreamed of being.”.” ——Robert Altman, Oscar acceptance speechRobert Altman, Oscar acceptance speech

““No matter what the No matter what the situation, situation, [the great manager’s][the great manager’s] first first resrespponse is alwaonse is alwayys to think s to think

about the individual about the individual concerned and how thinconcerned and how thinggs s

can be arrancan be arrangged to ed to helhelpp that that individual exindividual expperience erience successsuccess.”.” —Marcus Buckingham, —Marcus Buckingham,

The One Thing You Need to KnowThe One Thing You Need to Know

““Business has to give Business has to give people enriching, people enriching, rewarding lives,rewarding lives,

or it's simply not or it's simply not worth doingworth doing.”.” —Richard Branson—Richard Branson

““Leaders Leaders

‘‘SERVESERVE’’ people. people.

Period.”Period.” —inspired by Robert Greenleaf

Good News 2009:Good News 2009: Leadership*Leadership* is a sacred is a sacred

trust.trust.*President, classroom teacher, CEO, shop foreman*President, classroom teacher, CEO, shop foreman

““It was much later that I realized It was much later that I realized Dad’s secret. He gained respect by Dad’s secret. He gained respect by giving it. He talked and listened to giving it. He talked and listened to

the fourth-grade kids in Spring Valley the fourth-grade kids in Spring Valley who shined shoes the same way he who shined shoes the same way he talked and listened to a bishop or a talked and listened to a bishop or a

college president.college president. He was He was seriously interested in seriously interested in

who you were and what who you were and what you had to sayyou had to say.”.”Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Respect

““The The fourfour most most importantimportant wordswords in in any organization any organization

are …are …

The four most important words in any organizationThe four most important words in any organization

are …are … “What “What do do youyou think?”think?”

Source: courtesy Dave Wheeler, posted at tompeters.comSource: courtesy Dave Wheeler, posted at tompeters.com

““Diverse groups of problem solvers—groupsDiverse groups of problem solvers—groups of people with diverse tools—consistently of people with diverse tools—consistently outperformed groups of the best and the outperformed groups of the best and the

brightest. If I formed two groups, one brightest. If I formed two groups, one randomrandom (and therefore diverse) and one (and therefore diverse) and one

consisting of the consisting of the bestbest individual performers, individual performers, the first group almost always did better. …the first group almost always did better. …

DiversityDiversity trumped trumped abilityability.”.” —Scott Page, —Scott Page, The Difference: How The Difference: How

the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups,the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies Diversity Firms, Schools, and Societies Diversity

20092009Annus Annus

Horribilis*Horribilis**Elizabeth II/1985*Elizabeth II/1985

#1 Resource for Troubled Times:#1 Resource for Troubled Times:

Committed.Committed.Engaged.Engaged.Growing.Growing.Respected.Respected.Trusted.Trusted.Informed.Informed.People.People.

Forty-four “Secrets” Forty-four “Secrets” and “clever Strategies” and “clever Strategies”

For dealing with the For dealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXXRecession of 2008-XXXX

I am constantly asked for “strategies/

'secrets' for surviving the recession.” I try to appear

wise and informed—and parade original,

sophisticated thoughts. But if you want to know what’s

really going through my head, see the list that follows.

44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For 44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For Dealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXXDealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXX

You come earlier.You come earlier.You leave later.You leave later.You work harder.You work harder.You may well work for less; and, if so, youYou may well work for less; and, if so, you adapt to the untoward circumstances with a adapt to the untoward circumstances with a smile—even if it kills you inside.smile—even if it kills you inside.You volunteer to do more.You volunteer to do more.You dig deep and always bring a good attitudeYou dig deep and always bring a good attitude to work.to work.You fake it if your good attitude flags.You fake it if your good attitude flags.You literally practice your "game face" in theYou literally practice your "game face" in the mirror in the morning, and in the loo mirror in the morning, and in the loo mid-morning.mid-morning.You give new meaning to the idea and You give new meaning to the idea and intensive intensive practice of “visible management.”practice of “visible management.”


You take better than usual care of yourself andYou take better than usual care of yourself and encourage others to do the same—physicalencourage others to do the same—physical well-being determines mental well-being andwell-being determines mental well-being and response to stress.response to stress.You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your direction—buy a shovel or a “pre-worn” direction—buy a shovel or a “pre-worn” raincoat on eBay.raincoat on eBay.You try to forget about “the good old days”—You try to forget about “the good old days”— nostalgia is self-destructive.nostalgia is self-destructive.You buck yourself up with the thought that You buck yourself up with the thought that “ “this too shall pass”—but then remind this too shall pass”—but then remind yourselfyourself that it might not pass any time soon, and so that it might not pass any time soon, and so you re-dedicate yourself to making the you re-dedicate yourself to making the absolute best of what you have now.absolute best of what you have now.


You work the phones and then work theYou work the phones and then work the phones some more—and stay in touch withphones some more—and stay in touch with positively everyone.positively everyone.You frequently invent breaks from routine,You frequently invent breaks from routine, including “weird” ones—“changeups” preventincluding “weird” ones—“changeups” prevent wallowing and bring a fresh perspective. wallowing and bring a fresh perspective. You eschew all forms of personal excess.You eschew all forms of personal excess.You simplify.You simplify.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You sweat the details as never before.You raise to the sky and maintain at allYou raise to the sky and maintain at all costs the Standards of Excellence by whichcosts the Standards of Excellence by which you unfailingly evaluate your own you unfailingly evaluate your own performance.performance.You are maniacal when it comes to respondingYou are maniacal when it comes to responding to even the slightest screw-up.to even the slightest screw-up.


You find ways to be around young people andYou find ways to be around young people and to keep young people around—they are lessto keep young people around—they are less likely to be members of the “sky is falling” likely to be members of the “sky is falling” school.school.You learn new tricks of your trade.You learn new tricks of your trade.You remind yourself that this is not justYou remind yourself that this is not just something to be “gotten through”—it is thesomething to be “gotten through”—it is the Final Exam of character.Final Exam of character.You network like a demon.You network like a demon.You network inside the company—get to knowYou network inside the company—get to know more of the folks who “do the real work.”more of the folks who “do the real work.”You network outside the company—get toYou network outside the company—get to know more of the folks who “do the realknow more of the folks who “do the real work” in vendor-customer outfits.work” in vendor-customer outfits.


You thank others by the truckload if goodYou thank others by the truckload if good things happen—and take the heat yourself things happen—and take the heat yourself if if bad things happen.bad things happen.You behave kindly, but you don't sugarcoat You behave kindly, but you don't sugarcoat oror hide the truth--humans are startlingly hide the truth--humans are startlingly resilient and rumors are the real killers.resilient and rumors are the real killers.You treat small successes as if they wereYou treat small successes as if they were Superbowl victories—and celebrate andSuperbowl victories—and celebrate and commend accordingly.commend accordingly.You shrug off the losses (ignoring what's You shrug off the losses (ignoring what's goinggoing on in your tummy), and get back on theon in your tummy), and get back on the horse and immediately try again.horse and immediately try again.You avoid negative people to the extent youYou avoid negative people to the extent you can—pollution kills.can—pollution kills.You eventually read the gloom-sprayers theYou eventually read the gloom-sprayers the riot act. riot act.


You give new meaning to the word "thoughtful.“You give new meaning to the word "thoughtful.“You don’t put limits on the flowers budget—You don’t put limits on the flowers budget— “ “bright and colorful” works marvels.bright and colorful” works marvels.You redouble, re-triple your efforts to "walk inYou redouble, re-triple your efforts to "walk in your customer's shoes." (Especially if theyour customer's shoes." (Especially if the shoes smell.)shoes smell.)You mind your manners—and accept others’You mind your manners—and accept others’ lack of manners in the face of their strains.lack of manners in the face of their strains.You are kind to all mankind.You are kind to all mankind.You keep your shoes shined.You keep your shoes shined.You leave the blame game at the office door.You leave the blame game at the office door.You call out the congenital politicians in noYou call out the congenital politicians in no uncertain terms.uncertain terms.You become a paragon of personal You become a paragon of personal accountability.accountability.And then you pray.And then you pray.

Excellence.Excellence.

The 19 Es ofThe 19 Es ofExcellenceExcellence

If Not Excellence, What?If Not Excellence, What?If Not Excellence Now, When?If Not Excellence Now, When?The “19 Es” of ExcellenceThe “19 Es” of Excellence

EnthusiasmEnthusiasm.. (Be an irresistible force of nature!) (Be an irresistible force of nature!)

EnerEnergy.gy. (Be fire! Light fires!)(Be fire! Light fires!)

ExuberanceExuberance.. (Vibrate—cause earthquakes!)(Vibrate—cause earthquakes!)

ExecutionExecution.. (Do it! Now! Get it done! Barriers are baloney! Excuses are for wimps! (Do it! Now! Get it done! Barriers are baloney! Excuses are for wimps! Accountability is gospel! Adhere to the Bill Parcells doctrine: “BlameAccountability is gospel! Adhere to the Bill Parcells doctrine: “Blame nobody! Expect nothing! Do something!”)nobody! Expect nothing! Do something!”)

EmEmppowermentowerment.. (Respect and appreciation! Always ask, “What do you think?”(Respect and appreciation! Always ask, “What do you think?” Then: Listen! Liberate! Celebrate! 100% innovators or bust!)Then: Listen! Liberate! Celebrate! 100% innovators or bust!)

EdEdgginessiness.. (Perpetually dancing at the frontier, and a little or a lot beyond.)(Perpetually dancing at the frontier, and a little or a lot beyond.)

EnraEnraggeded.. (Determined to challenge & change the status quo!)(Determined to challenge & change the status quo!)

EnEnggaaggeded.. (Addicted to MBWA/Managing By Wandering Around. In touch. Always.) (Addicted to MBWA/Managing By Wandering Around. In touch. Always.)

ElectronicElectronic.. (Partners with the world 60/60/24/7 via electronic community building(Partners with the world 60/60/24/7 via electronic community building and entanglement of every sort. Crowdsourcing/doing power!)and entanglement of every sort. Crowdsourcing/doing power!)

EncomEncomppassingassing.. (Relentlessly pursue diverse opinions—the more diversity the (Relentlessly pursue diverse opinions—the more diversity the merrier! merrier! Diversity per se “works”!)Diversity per se “works”!)

If Not Excellence, What?If Not Excellence, What?If Not Excellence Now, When?If Not Excellence Now, When?The “19 Es” of ExcellenceThe “19 Es” of Excellence

EmotionEmotion.. (The alpha. The omega. The essence of leadership. The essence of sales. (The alpha. The omega. The essence of leadership. The essence of sales. The essence of marketing. The essence. Period. Acknowledge it.)The essence of marketing. The essence. Period. Acknowledge it.)

EmEmppathathy.y. (Connect, connect, connect with others’ reality and aspirations! “Walk(Connect, connect, connect with others’ reality and aspirations! “Walk in the other person’s shoes”—until the soles have holes!)in the other person’s shoes”—until the soles have holes!)

ExExpperienceerience.. (Life is theater! Make every activity-contact memorable! Standard:(Life is theater! Make every activity-contact memorable! Standard: “ “Insanely Great”/Steve Jobs; “Radically Thrilling”/BMW.)Insanely Great”/Steve Jobs; “Radically Thrilling”/BMW.)

EliminateEliminate.. (Keep it simple!)(Keep it simple!)

ErrorErrorppronerone.. (Ready! Fire! Aim! Try a lot of stuff and make a lot of booboos and then (Ready! Fire! Aim! Try a lot of stuff and make a lot of booboos and then trytry some more stuff and make some more booboos—all of it at the speed of some more stuff and make some more booboos—all of it at the speed of light!)light!)

EvenhandedEvenhanded.. (Straight as an arrow! Fair to a fault! Honest as Abe!)(Straight as an arrow! Fair to a fault! Honest as Abe!)

ExpectationsExpectations.. (Michelangelo: “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim (Michelangelo: “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim isis too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” Amen!)Amen!)

EudaimoniaEudaimonia.. (Pursue the highest of human moral purpose—the core of Aristotle’s(Pursue the highest of human moral purpose—the core of Aristotle’s philosophy. Be of service. Always.)philosophy. Be of service. Always.)

ExcellenceExcellence.. (The only standard! Never an exception! Start now! No excuses! If not(The only standard! Never an exception! Start now! No excuses! If not Excellence, what? If not Excellence now, when?)Excellence, what? If not Excellence now, when?)

Sir Richard’s RulesSir Richard’s Rules

Follow your passions.Follow your passions.Keep it simple.Keep it simple.

Get the best people to help you.Get the best people to help you.Re-create yourself.Re-create yourself.

Play.Play.Source: Source: FortuneFortune

APPENDIX ONEAPPENDIX ONE

The Heart of The Heart of Business Strategy: Business Strategy:

48 Things That 48 Things That MatterMatter

We usually think of business We usually think of business strategy as some sort of aspirational strategy as some sort of aspirational

market positioning statement. market positioning statement. Doubtless that’s part of it. But I Doubtless that’s part of it. But I

believe that the number one believe that the number one “strategic strength” is excellence in “strategic strength” is excellence in execution and systemic relationships execution and systemic relationships

(i.e., with everyone we come in (i.e., with everyone we come in contact with). Hence I offer the contact with). Hence I offer the following 48 pieces of advice in following 48 pieces of advice in

creating a winning “strategy” that is creating a winning “strategy” that is inherently sustainable.inherently sustainable.

““Thank you.” Minimum several times a day.Thank you.” Minimum several times a day. Measure it.Measure it.““Thank you” to everyone even peripherallyThank you” to everyone even peripherally involved in some activity—especially involved in some activity—especially thosethose “ “deep in the hierarchy.”deep in the hierarchy.”Smile. Work on it.Smile. Work on it.Apologize. Even if “they” are “mostly” toApologize. Even if “they” are “mostly” to blame.blame.Jump all over those who play the “blameJump all over those who play the “blame game.” game.” Hire enthusiasm.Hire enthusiasm.Low enthusiasm. No hire. Any job.Low enthusiasm. No hire. Any job.Hire optimists. Everywhere. (“Positive Hire optimists. Everywhere. (“Positive outlook on life,” not mindless optimism.)outlook on life,” not mindless optimism.)Hiring: Would you like to go to lunch withHiring: Would you like to go to lunch with him-her. 100% of jobs.him-her. 100% of jobs.

Hire for good manners.Hire for good manners.Do not reject “trouble makers”—that is thoseDo not reject “trouble makers”—that is those who are uncomfortable with the status who are uncomfortable with the status quo.quo.Expose all would-be hires to somethingExpose all would-be hires to something unexpected-weird. Observe their reaction.unexpected-weird. Observe their reaction.Overwhelm response to even the smallestOverwhelm response to even the smallest screw-ups.screw-ups.Become a student of all you will meet with. Become a student of all you will meet with. Big time.Big time.Hang out with interesting new people. Hang out with interesting new people. Measure it.Measure it.Lunch with folks in other functions. Measure Lunch with folks in other functions. Measure it.it.Listen. Hear. Become a serious studentListen. Hear. Become a serious student of listening-hearing.of listening-hearing.Work on everyone’s listening skills. Practice.Work on everyone’s listening skills. Practice.

Become a student of information extraction-Become a student of information extraction- interviewing.interviewing.Become a student of presentation giving.Become a student of presentation giving. Formal. Short and spontaneous.Formal. Short and spontaneous.Incredible care in 1st line supervisor Incredible care in 1st line supervisor selection.selection.World’s best training for 1st line supervisors.World’s best training for 1st line supervisors.Construct small leadership opportunities forConstruct small leadership opportunities for junior people within days of starting on thejunior people within days of starting on the job.job.Insane care in all promotion decisions.Insane care in all promotion decisions.Promote “people people” for all managerialPromote “people people” for all managerial jobs. Finance-logistics-R&D as much as,jobs. Finance-logistics-R&D as much as, say, sales.say, sales.Hire-promote for demonstrated curiosity. Hire-promote for demonstrated curiosity. Check their past commitment to continuousCheck their past commitment to continuous learning.learning.

Small “d” diversity. Rich mixes for any andSmall “d” diversity. Rich mixes for any and all teams. all teams. Hire women. Roughly 50% women on execHire women. Roughly 50% women on exec team.team.Exec team “looks like” customer population,Exec team “looks like” customer population, actual and desired.actual and desired.Focus on creating products for and sellingFocus on creating products for and selling to women.to women.Focus on creating products for and sellingFocus on creating products for and selling to boomers-geezers.to boomers-geezers.Work on first and last impressions.Work on first and last impressions.Walls display tomorrow’s aspirations, notWalls display tomorrow’s aspirations, not yesterday’s accomplishments.yesterday’s accomplishments.Simplify systems. Constantly.Simplify systems. Constantly.

Insist that almost all material be covered by aInsist that almost all material be covered by a 1-page summary. Absolutely no longer. 1-page summary. Absolutely no longer. Practice decency.Practice decency.Add “We are thoughtful in all we do” toAdd “We are thoughtful in all we do” to corporate values list. Number 1 force forcorporate values list. Number 1 force for customer loyalty, employee satisfaction.customer loyalty, employee satisfaction.Make some form of employee growth (for all)Make some form of employee growth (for all) a formal part of values set. Abovea formal part of values set. Above customer satisfaction. Steal from RE/MAX: customer satisfaction. Steal from RE/MAX: “We are a life success company.”“We are a life success company.”Flowers.Flowers.Celebrate “small wins.” Often. Perhaps aCelebrate “small wins.” Often. Perhaps a “ “small win of the day.”small win of the day.”

Manage your calendar religiously: Does itManage your calendar religiously: Does it accurately reflect your espoused priorities?accurately reflect your espoused priorities? Use a “calendar friend” who’s not veryUse a “calendar friend” who’s not very friendly to help you with this.friendly to help you with this.Review your calendar: Work assiduously andReview your calendar: Work assiduously and mercilessly on your “To don’ts.”—stuff mercilessly on your “To don’ts.”—stuff that distracts.that distracts.Bosses, especially near the top: FormallyBosses, especially near the top: Formally cultivate one advisor whose role is to tell cultivate one advisor whose role is to tell youyou the truth. the truth. Commit to Excellence.Commit to Excellence.Talk up Excellence. Talk up Excellence. Put “Excellence in all we do” in the values Put “Excellence in all we do” in the values set.set.Measure everyone on demonstratedMeasure everyone on demonstrated commitment to Excellence.commitment to Excellence.

APPENDIX TWOAPPENDIX TWO

The “Have The “Have you …” 50you …” 50

1. Have you in 1. Have you in thethe last 10 days … last 10 days … visited a visited a customecustomer?r?2. Have you called 2. Have you called aa customer … customer … TODAYTODAY??

1. 1. Have you in the last 10 days … visited a Have you in the last 10 days … visited a customecustomer?r?2. 2. Have you called a customer … Have you called a customer … TODAYTODAY??

3. Have you in the last 60-90 days … had a seminar in which several folks from the 3. Have you in the last 60-90 days … had a seminar in which several folks from the customer’s operation (different levels, different functions, different divisions) interacted, customer’s operation (different levels, different functions, different divisions) interacted, via facilitator, with various of your folks?via facilitator, with various of your folks?

4. 4. Have you thanked a front-line employee for a Have you thanked a front-line employee for a small act of helpfulness … in the last three days?small act of helpfulness … in the last three days?5. Have you thanked a front-line employee for a small act of helpfulness … in the 5. Have you thanked a front-line employee for a small act of helpfulness … in the last three last three hourshours??6. Have you thanked a frontline employee for carrying around a great 6. Have you thanked a frontline employee for carrying around a great attitude attitude … today?… today?7. Have you in the last week recognized—publicly—one of your folks for a small act of 7. Have you in the last week recognized—publicly—one of your folks for a small act of cross-functional co-operationcross-functional co-operation??8. Have you in the last week recognized—publicly—one of “their” folks (another 8. Have you in the last week recognized—publicly—one of “their” folks (another function) for a small act of cross-functional co-operation?function) for a small act of cross-functional co-operation?9. Have you invited in the last month a leader of 9. Have you invited in the last month a leader of another functionanother function to your weekly team to your weekly team priorities meeting?priorities meeting?10. Have you personally in the last week-month called-visited an internal or external 10. Have you personally in the last week-month called-visited an internal or external customer to customer to sort out, inquire, or apologizesort out, inquire, or apologize for some little or big thing that went awry? for some little or big thing that went awry? (No reason for doing so? If true—in your mind—then you’re more out of touch than I (No reason for doing so? If true—in your mind—then you’re more out of touch than I dared imagine.)dared imagine.)

11. Have you in the last two days had a chat with someone (a couple of levels down?) about specific deadlines 11. Have you in the last two days had a chat with someone (a couple of levels down?) about specific deadlines concerning a project’s next steps?concerning a project’s next steps?12. Have you in the last two days had a chat with someone (a couple of levels down?) about specific deadlines 12. Have you in the last two days had a chat with someone (a couple of levels down?) about specific deadlines concerning a project’s next steps … and what specifically concerning a project’s next steps … and what specifically you can do to remove a hurdleyou can do to remove a hurdle? (“Ninety percent of ? (“Ninety percent of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get things done.”—Peter “His eminence” what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get things done.”—Peter “His eminence” Drucker.)Drucker.)13. Have you celebrated in the last week a “small” (or large!) 13. Have you celebrated in the last week a “small” (or large!) milestone milestone reached? (I.e., are you a milestone reached? (I.e., are you a milestone fanatic?)fanatic?)14. Have you in the last week or month revised some estimate in the “wrong” direction and apologized for making 14. Have you in the last week or month revised some estimate in the “wrong” direction and apologized for making a lousy estimate? (Somehow you must publicly a lousy estimate? (Somehow you must publicly reward the telling of difficult truthsreward the telling of difficult truths.).)

15. 15. Have you installed in your tenure a very Have you installed in your tenure a very comprehensive customer satisfaction scheme comprehensive customer satisfaction scheme for all for all internalinternal customers? customers? (With major consequences for hitting or missing (With major consequences for hitting or missing

the mark.)the mark.)

16. Have you in the last six months had a week-long, visible, very intensive 16. Have you in the last six months had a week-long, visible, very intensive visit-“tour”visit-“tour” of external customers? of external customers?17. Have you in the last 60 days called an abrupt halt to a meeting and “ordered” everyone to get out of the office, 17. Have you in the last 60 days called an abrupt halt to a meeting and “ordered” everyone to get out of the office, and “into the field” and in the and “into the field” and in the next eight hoursnext eight hours, after asking those involved, fixed (f-i-x-e-d!) a nagging “small” , after asking those involved, fixed (f-i-x-e-d!) a nagging “small” problem through practical action?problem through practical action?18. Have you in the last week had a rather thorough discussion of a “cool design thing” someone has come 18. Have you in the last week had a rather thorough discussion of a “cool design thing” someone has come across—away from your industry or function—at a Web site, in a product or its packaging? across—away from your industry or function—at a Web site, in a product or its packaging? 19. Have you in the last two weeks had an informal meeting—at least an hour long—with a frontline employee to 19. Have you in the last two weeks had an informal meeting—at least an hour long—with a frontline employee to discuss things we do right, things we do wrong, what it would take to meet your mid- to long-term aspirations?discuss things we do right, things we do wrong, what it would take to meet your mid- to long-term aspirations?20. Have you had in the last 60 days had a general meeting to discuss “things we do wrong” … that we can fix in 20. Have you had in the last 60 days had a general meeting to discuss “things we do wrong” … that we can fix in the next the next fourteen daysfourteen days??

21. Have you had in the last year a one-day, intense offsite with each (?) of your 21. Have you had in the last year a one-day, intense offsite with each (?) of your internal customers—followed by a big celebration of “things gone right”?internal customers—followed by a big celebration of “things gone right”?22. Have you in the last week pushed someone to do some family thing that you fear 22. Have you in the last week pushed someone to do some family thing that you fear might be overwhelmed by deadline pressure?might be overwhelmed by deadline pressure?23. 23. Have you learned the names of the children of everyone who reports to you?Have you learned the names of the children of everyone who reports to you? (If (If not, you have six months to fix it.)not, you have six months to fix it.)24. Have you taken in the last month an interesting-24. Have you taken in the last month an interesting-weirdweird outsider to lunch? outsider to lunch?25. Have you in the last month invited an interesting-weird outsider to sit in on an25. Have you in the last month invited an interesting-weird outsider to sit in on animportant meeting?important meeting?26. Have you in the last three days discussed something interesting, beyond your 26. Have you in the last three days discussed something interesting, beyond your industry, that you ran across in a meeting, reading, etc?industry, that you ran across in a meeting, reading, etc?27. Have you in the last 24 hours injected into a meeting “I ran across this interesting 27. Have you in the last 24 hours injected into a meeting “I ran across this interesting idea in [strange place]”?idea in [strange place]”?28. Have you in the last two weeks asked someone to report on something, anything 28. Have you in the last two weeks asked someone to report on something, anything that constitutes an act of brilliant service rendered in a “trivial” situation—restaurant, that constitutes an act of brilliant service rendered in a “trivial” situation—restaurant, car wash, etc? (And then discussed the relevance to your work.)car wash, etc? (And then discussed the relevance to your work.)

29. 29. Have you in the last 30 days examined in detail (hour Have you in the last 30 days examined in detail (hour by hour) your calendar to evaluate the degree “time by hour) your calendar to evaluate the degree “time actually spent” mirrors your “espoused priorities”? actually spent” mirrors your “espoused priorities”? (And repeated this exercise with everyone on team.)(And repeated this exercise with everyone on team.)

30. Have you in the last two months had a presentation to the group by a “weird” 30. Have you in the last two months had a presentation to the group by a “weird” outsider? outsider?

31. Have you in the last two months had a presentation to the group by a customer, 31. Have you in the last two months had a presentation to the group by a customer, internal customer, vendor featuring “working folks” 3 or 4 levels down in the vendor internal customer, vendor featuring “working folks” 3 or 4 levels down in the vendor organization? organization? 32. Have you in the last two months had a presentation to the group of a cool, 32. Have you in the last two months had a presentation to the group of a cool, beyond-our-industry ideas by two of your folks?beyond-our-industry ideas by two of your folks?33. Have you at every meeting today (and forever more) re-directed the conversation 33. Have you at every meeting today (and forever more) re-directed the conversation to the practicalities of implementation concerning some issue before the group?to the practicalities of implementation concerning some issue before the group?34. Have you at every meeting today (and forever more) had an end-of-meeting 34. Have you at every meeting today (and forever more) had an end-of-meeting discussion on “action items to be dealt with in the next 4, 48 hours? (And then made discussion on “action items to be dealt with in the next 4, 48 hours? (And then made this list public—and followed up in 48 hours.) And made sure everyone has at least this list public—and followed up in 48 hours.) And made sure everyone has at least one such item.)one such item.)35. Have you had a discussion in the last six months about what it would take to get 35. Have you had a discussion in the last six months about what it would take to get recognition in local-national poll of recognition in local-national poll of “best places to work”?“best places to work”?36. Have you in the last month approved a 36. Have you in the last month approved a cool-different training coursecool-different training course for one for one of your folks?of your folks?

37. 37. Have you in the last month Have you in the last month taught taught a front-line a front-line training course?training course?38. Have you in the last week discussed the idea of 38. Have you in the last week discussed the idea of ExcellenceExcellence? (What it means, how? (What it means, howto get there.)to get there.)39. Have you in the last week discussed the idea of 39. Have you in the last week discussed the idea of “Wow”?“Wow”? (What it means, how (What it means, howto inject it into an ongoing “routine” project.)to inject it into an ongoing “routine” project.)40. Have you in the last 45 days assessed some major process in terms of the details 40. Have you in the last 45 days assessed some major process in terms of the details of the “experience,” as well as results, it provides to its external or internal of the “experience,” as well as results, it provides to its external or internal customers?customers?

41. Have you in the last month had one of your folks attend a meeting you were supposed to go 41. Have you in the last month had one of your folks attend a meeting you were supposed to go to which gives them unusual exposure to senior folks?to which gives them unusual exposure to senior folks?42. Have you in the last 60 (30?) days sat with a trusted friend or “coach” to discuss your 42. Have you in the last 60 (30?) days sat with a trusted friend or “coach” to discuss your “management style”—and its long- and short-term impact on the group?“management style”—and its long- and short-term impact on the group?

43. 43. Have you in the Have you in the last three dayslast three days considered a professional considered a professional relationship that was a little rocky and made a call to the person relationship that was a little rocky and made a call to the person involved to discuss issues and smooth the waters? (Taking the involved to discuss issues and smooth the waters? (Taking the “blame,” fully deserved or not, for letting the thing-issue fester.)“blame,” fully deserved or not, for letting the thing-issue fester.)

44. Have you in the last … 44. Have you in the last … two hourstwo hours … stopped by someone’s (two-levels “down") office- … stopped by someone’s (two-levels “down") office-workspace for 5 minutes to ask “What do you think?” about an issue that arose at a more or workspace for 5 minutes to ask “What do you think?” about an issue that arose at a more or less just completed meeting? (And then stuck around for 10 or so minutes to listen—and less just completed meeting? (And then stuck around for 10 or so minutes to listen—and visibly taken notes.)visibly taken notes.)45. Have you … in the last day … looked around you to assess whether the diversity pretty 45. Have you … in the last day … looked around you to assess whether the diversity pretty accurately maps the diversity of the market being served? (And …) accurately maps the diversity of the market being served? (And …) 46. Have you in the last day at some meeting gone out of your way to make sure that a 46. Have you in the last day at some meeting gone out of your way to make sure that a normally reticent person was engaged in a conversation—and then thanked him or her, normally reticent person was engaged in a conversation—and then thanked him or her, perhaps privately, for their contribution?perhaps privately, for their contribution?47. Have you during your tenure instituted very public (visible) presentations of performance?47. Have you during your tenure instituted very public (visible) presentations of performance?48. Have you in the last four months had a session specifically aimed at checking on the 48. Have you in the last four months had a session specifically aimed at checking on the “corporate culture” and the degree we are true to it—with all presentations by relatively junior “corporate culture” and the degree we are true to it—with all presentations by relatively junior folks, including front-line folks? (And with a determined effort to keep the conversation folks, including front-line folks? (And with a determined effort to keep the conversation restricted to “real world” “small” cases—not theory.) restricted to “real world” “small” cases—not theory.) 49. Have you in the last six months talked about the 49. Have you in the last six months talked about the Internal Brand PromiseInternal Brand Promise??50. Have you in the last year had a full-day off site to talk about individual (and group) 50. Have you in the last year had a full-day off site to talk about individual (and group) aspirations?aspirations?

tom peters excellence.always. shanghai/25-27 april 2009

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