When companies benchmark themselves against each other, the risk is exactly this: We only need to be a bit better that the average in one or two aspects of our offering.

Excellent companies get improvement by comparing themselves against how THEY were 6 months ago, and only compare themselves with others for marketing purposes.

Of course once they know they are way better than the competition, the risk is to rest on their laurels exactly when they have the opportunity to change the level of play in their industry.

Excellent never stands still.

Thanks for the post!

Often, the quality product can be cheaper. Take cast-iron pans as an example. Treated well, a cast iron pan can last a lifetime, and cost $20. But we often are sold on the idea that the lightweight “stick-free” pan is better, even though we pay more for it, it degrades and poisons us with its coating, and will need replacement multiple times throughout our lives. Do you remember the old steel toasters? There are 50 year old models that still work. How many “cheap” toasters have you bought in your life? I think I’m on my 4th or 5th one at age 36. Mediocrity in our products leads to more junk, more waste, more long-term expense. Mediocrity in our services leads to frustration, stress, and inefficiency in the use of our time (how many hours of life have you wasted away on-hold?). Don’t accept mediocrity in your life.

Thanks for writing in; nice to “meet” you.

@ Slinky –

I haven’t flown Midwest yet, but I have only heard good things las you mention. Anything to do with fresh cookies is a good idea to me!

Also, in regards to your airlines, I’m a fan of Midwest Airlines. You may not have experienced them as they’re pretty small scale up this way. I haven’t flown them since their recent troubles with an attempted hostile takeover attempt, but in my experience they were definitely above average. They’re known for their extra wide, two-across seating and baked on the plane chocolate chip cookies.

While you do not need a Mensa member yo make you a latte, you do need competency when your health and finances are being administered. So much of my impression is that it’s just easier to give into mediocrity than truly follow your list of 4 steps. Congratulations for posting and saying what I could not!