The Truth about Mediocrity

Mediocrity is both dangerously and subtly seductive. Without red belt hunger, we spend more time working around mediocrity than we do dealing with it. To fully implement and sustain master the art of execution (MAX), there must come a time when we get the pruning shears out and devastate mediocrity (both personal and organizational) rather than defend it, rationalize it, minimize it, externalize it, trivialize it, or compromise with it. This chapter presents five thoughts concerning mediocrity to help right the course and stay on a path of personal responsibility. They are understanding that mediocrity begins with me; mediocrity is a personal concession to do less than our best; we break free from mediocrity by making better decisions; living in denial prolongs our marriage to mediocrity; and we need to make our break with any mediocre aspect of our life.