Pursuing Excellence Sets You Apart
When looking at the working world we often see two sets of people. There are those who seemingly rise through the ranks effortlessly, as though they have the universe’s blessing in whatever they do. Then, there are others, who struggle. They flounder for years, they stagnate, and often they’ll complain about how hard it is to get ahead.
What gives?
To really answer that question, let’s turn to the wisdom of Solomon (technically it might not have specifically been him that penned the actual words).
You Can Serve Before Kings
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” (Proverbs 22:29 NIV)
What we see here isn’t necessarily being the king’s servant, but doing work that the king pays for. The king only hires the best of the best, those craftsmen and artisans get paid handsomely for their efforts. Those hired by the low-ranking officials are the every day folks; the mediocre; the middle-of-the-road.
It’s not luck or even connections. It’s not that the universe has smiled upon certain people. It’s about mastery. A person who consistently produces excellent results stands out and is sought after.
What This Means for Business Owners
For the business owner out there, reading this verse should spark something within. It’s a call from God to pursue excellence in everything you do. From dealing with clients, to performing the service, to building a product – corners shouldn’t be cut.
Along those lines is to invest in your craft. Learn how to do it better, more effectively, and more efficiently.
You want to attract those high-level clients (the kings)? Reputation follows results – consistently deliver value, and you’ll attract those who value… value.
Think about how Apple took over the computer and phone markets. It wasn’t about producing something every other tech company was making. It was about innovating in design, experience, and performance. It was about being the best of the best.
What this Means for Employees
You might be thinking, “But Scott! I’m an employee, I don’t get to call the shots around here!” Not everyone is cut out to run a business. Not everyone wants to, nor should everyone. Employees are just as valuable to ensure businesses run smoothly.
Cal Newport wrote a book called So Good They Can’t Ignore You. It’s about leaning into your talent and skill, and then getting even better. Gain expertise, take initiative, and go above and beyond.
Promotions, raises, and other career opportunities will arise not from the effort, but the excellence (if hard work was all it takes, there would be far more super successful folks out there).
What You can Do Today to Pursue Excellence
It doesn’t matter if you’re the CEO or the new hire, this verse is a reminder to everyone that excellence is magnetic.
If you take the time to sharpen your skills and deliver excellent work, you won’t have to chase influence, because it will find you.
Take a look at your career. Is it booming the way you’d like? If not, have you become complacent? Spend a few minutes determining the areas where you could do just a little bit more and become a little bit better. Develop those skills. Once mastered, move on and find the next… then the next… before you know it, you’ll be serving kings.
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