Dare To Live Without Limits Week Of 1/3/2022

Doing more than is expected has its rewards

When you are short on time, and overloaded with tasks and obligations, it’s tempting to do just enough to get by. Thinking, “why do more than necessary,” is common. An all-too-common standard is that good is good enough. This low bar of mediocrity limits your achievements.
Instead of doing just enough, try doing more than is expected. This approach yields amazing results. Going beyond what people expect leads to incredible results because they are pleasantly surprised.
How much you do determines how you are perceived. Those who do more than is expected significantly enhance their reputation. Ralph was hoping to get a raise and promotion. He was a diligent employee who always completed whatever tasks he was given. When Ralph was done with an assignment, he would wait to be given whatever was needed next,
Carol worked for the same company as Ralph. However, Carol went above and beyond what was required. When all of Carol’s projects were complete, she would look for what needed to be worked on next. Carol never waited for her next assignment. She always took initiative.
The next time a promotion became available it was given to Carol. Her boss appreciated that Carol was already performing at the level required by the new position. Although Ralph was a solid employee, he didn’t do more than was expected.
Have a standard of excellence where good is not good enough. Always do just a little extra without being asked. Although Ralph was reliable, he performed at exactly the level his current position required. However, Carol was always looking for extra ways she could be of value to her employer. Performing at the level you desire is an effective way to accelerate your progress to your desired goals.
Regardless of the work you are involved with, you have customers. You may have direct contact with those who patronize your employer. Even without direct customer contact, your boss is your customer, your coworkers are your customers, and any people you supervise are your customers.
Doing more than is expected means solving problems. Don’t tell others what you can’t do, always tell them what you can do. Be solution oriented. There’s always a way to do something. This is the foundation of exceptional customer service.
People don’t like to be told NO. In instances when you are requested to do something you can’t do, instead of saying, “No, I can’t do that,” reply, “Here’s what I can do for you.” Using this approach shows that you are trying to help instead of being an impediment.
How you treat others has a huge impact. Too often people are rude. Always be polite. Use please and thank you. Ask people for what you want instead of demanding. By being more polite than expected, you will have more productive, and effective interactions. People respond better to being treated with respect than being talked down to.
Showing your gratitude has a positive impact. Small gestures mean a lot. Let people know you appreciate their efforts. Say thank you with a phone call, text, email, or a hand written card. Surprise someone with a small, unexpected gift. You are more likely to be treated with respect when you treat others well.
Take pride in all you do. Always be on the lookout for ways you can improve. A little extra goes a long way. Utilize the principle of the slight edge which states: A small amount of extra effort produces results far in excess of the effort required. A horse which wins the Kentucky derby by a nose is proof this works. The first place finisher can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars more than second place. It pays to do more than is expected.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2021 Bryan Golden