Excellence demands Excellence

Raising Your Standard of Excellence

Dear Readers,

Success isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about exceeding them consistently and setting a personal standard of excellence that makes you indispensable in your industry. The best leaders don’t just react to challenges—they take ownership, push themselves, and commit to continuous improvement.

In this next series of The Storyteller, we’re diving into what it means to raise your standard of excellence and how you can elevate your leadership impact by mastering your craft.

The Excellence Mindset: Shifting from Good to Great

Many professionals become comfortable with what’s required—but excellence is about doing more than expected and continually refining your skills, discipline, and leadership presence.

Ask yourself:

• Am I just meeting expectations, or am I exceeding them?

• What specific skills do I need to refine to be seen as an industry leader?

• How do I create a personal standard that holds me accountable for excellence?

The difference between good and great leaders lies in their mindset and habits. Those who prioritize excellence don’t wait for opportunities—they prepare for them.

Practical Strategies for Elevating Your Standard of Excellence

✅ Develop Deep Expertise & Specialization

• Commit to lifelong learning—don’t just keep up with industry trends; aim to be ahead of them.

• Pursue certifications, advanced training, and mentorship opportunities that distinguish you.

• Become the go-to expert in your space by writing, speaking, or mentoring others.

✅ Hold Yourself to a Higher Standard

• Set personal benchmarks beyond company expectations.

• Focus on delivering exceptional work consistently—attention to detail matters.

• Adopt a growth mindset and seek feedback regularly to refine your skills.

✅ Surround Yourself with Excellence

• Build relationships with top performers who challenge and inspire you.

• Find mentors and sponsors who have achieved what you aspire to.

• Join high-level professional groups and industry think tanks to expand your knowledge.

Learn about building a supportive network in: Building Your Personal Board of Directors: Finding Advocates & Sponsors in Your Career.

✅ Lead with Intentionality & Presence

• Speak up, take initiative, and position yourself as a solutions-oriented leader.

• Become known for dependability and strategic thinking.

• Ensure your personal brand aligns with the excellence you want to be known for.

For guidance on personal branding, see: The Power of Visibility: Why Telling Your Story Strengthens the Pipeline for Black Technical Talent.

Personal Story: How I Redefined My Standard of Excellence

Late in my undergraduate years, I realized that doing what was expected wasn’t enough to stand out. I had to push myself beyond the basics and seek out opportunities to improve my craft.

• Instead of just attending meetings, I started leading discussions.

• Instead of waiting for recognition, I created value that couldn’t be ignored.

• Instead of just keeping up with trends, I invested in continuous learning to always be one step ahead.

This shift didn’t just elevate my career—it made me a go-to leader in my field. Raising my standard of excellence became a daily commitment, not a one-time goal.

Survey Questions: Your Commitment to Excellence

Your insights will help shape future discussions in The Storyteller!

Recommended Reading

📖 The Excellence Dividend: Meeting the Tech Tide with Work That Wows and Jobs That Last by Tom Peters

📖 Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover

Join the Conversation

How are you elevating your standard of excellence? What strategies have helped you grow beyond expectations? Reply to this email or drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Me

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and become indispensable in your industry, let’s connect! Schedule a 15-minute intro call via www.demalo-ent.com

🚀 Next Week: Leading Without a Title—How to Build Influence in Any Role.

Let’s make excellence a daily habit.

Warm regards,
DeWayne Allen
Founder of The Storyteller Newsletter
I guide leaders and STEM professionals to succeed and innovate.