This week’s Resource Recommendation – Outstanding! 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional By John G. Miller
I love a couple of things when I pick up a book. I love when the title is clear and promises me something tangible (something of course that I care about). I also love when the book delivers. Plus, when the book is written by a really smart person, who I’ve had the privilege to work with a bit, it’s even better.
This book is all of those things.
John G Miller, author of QBQ – the Question Behind the Question
John offers 47 short chapters with titles that make the lesson clear. Some examples include:
- Make No Excuses
- Do What You Promise
- Be Fast
- Be Flexible: Put People Before Policies
- Seek No Culprits
- (and 42 more!)
A cynic would say “I already know or have read most of those things.” Perhaps this is true. Though I doubt it would be true for all 47, and I more highly doubt that you and your organization are doing all 47.
Each chapter is carried by at least one story or example, and is illustrative rather than preachy.
You could read one a day or the entire book over a couple lunch breaks (or in one sitting). My guess is you will find one or more that resonate with you in a way that leads you to share it with your team or colleagues.
However you choose to use it, do use it!
And here is a special offer for you: I have an extra copy of the book (John sent me two – after I already purchased my own copy). One of those other copies is being shared with the team here at Remarkable House. However, the other one could be yours.
Just write a comment about why I should send the book to you – and how you plan to use it. The best submission by Noon ET on February 4 (as decided by my team) will get the book and a special surprise from us too.
It’s time to comment!
We do a very special job for very special people — we provide a 24/7 home for over 470 men & women with both physical and mental disabilities.
Although it’s a job (in the sense that staff work for a salary & benefits) it’s much more than that. By our work, we truly provide a great life for those who aren’t as fortunate as we most. Without a dedicated, caring and loving staff those we serve literally could not live.
The first chapter you list (Make No Excuses) hits us exactly on target. There is no excuse for giving less than 100%. Those we serve deserve it.
Thank you,
Jeff
Why I would like a copy of the book Outstanding. This is my second year as the Dean of Students at a dual immersion charter school. The school is only in its 3rd year of operation and we have experienced all kinds of changes including not hiring a new director until October 9th. The previous director resigned under duress in July. Until we had a new director I was expected to fulfill my position as well as many of the responsibilities of the director. Even though we now have a director the staff has continued to look to me for leadership. Therefore, I need all the help I can get!
As an avid reader and a fan of John Miller’s QBQ and Flipping the Switch, I’d love the opportunity to have a copy of his newest book Outstanding. After every book I read I list it on my Linked In page as well as draft book notes that I then make available to all of my friends. I find that sharing the ideas I read about lead to positive change not only for myself but others too.
Good Afternoon,
I am a trainer and have not had the privilege of reading any of John Miller’s books. We are going through many changes in our company in the last year and it has affected not only the moral but I feel the level of wow-giving the extra mile has slipped by the way side. I think this would be a great training that I could implement right now. It is the time for us to take this opportunity to come out the other end not only better but have a totally exciting culture focusing on stepping it up to the next level.. I could incorporate this book into an exciting training for the company and I belive make a difference.
Have a great day
Why I would like a copy of the book, Outstanding…
I have been working a home business for the last few years. I have also struggled with fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue for 8 years. Long story made short, my illness has affected my business over the last few years and I have re-commited to making my business a success in 2010. I decided I had only 2 options and giving up was not one of them. I am passionate about helping others who are in the same position I am in, to find their way out of whatever binds them. I want lead by example and to be the best leader I can be.
Hey Jenny Pratt here … part of the Team here at Remarkable House.
What a ridiculously hard decision we had to make about who receives the book. Kevin said, “I’m out; you guys decide.”
We, seriously, wish we had five copies and could send one to each of you; however, we have one copy to give away and we’ve made a decision.
Congratulations, Cindy … a copy of Outstanding AND a copy of Kevin’s #LEADERSHIPtweet will soon be on the way to you.
Thanks to Jeff, Barbara, Wendy and Teresa for sharing your thoughts with us. You clearly are remarkable people doing outstanding things; and we wish you amazing success on your journey.
If there’s ever anything we can do to support you, please contact us any time!
Thanks for making a selection Jenny – but I screwed up! I told you all you had until noon on the 4th (not the 1st) to respond. so… we will give Cindy her copy AND give out another copy after noon on the 4th. so everyone who has already commented, you are still alive, as well as anyone else who postd before noon ET on the 4th.
A lesson is quick execution, I suppose.
Thanks for your contributions and patience!
Kevin 🙂
Jeff, Barbara, Wendy and Teresa – email me your mailing address and this author will send you a copy of Outstanding! – free. Kevin and Jenny did not expect this, but I would like to do it! Cindy, thanks for wanting the “O” book, too. I’d love to hear from you as well, especially since you say you think this content would fit right in! Thanks to all and remember, Be Outstanding! John G. Miller, author of QBQ!, Flipping the Switch, and Outstanding! Denver, CO
So John stepped in and gave books to the other four who had commented – which makes it easier for the rest of you to comment and STILL win be the 4th – the tough early competition now all have books!
Thanks John!
One more quick comment. I dedicated the new “O” book is to “All those who care enough to improve the place!” Kevin, you obviously know many committed, excellent, and dare I say OUTSTANDING! people! Thanks to all!
I would love to have a copy of this book! I am the recording secretary for my union and we are continually bumping heads with management in our company. We work in a heavy industrial facility. In the past year, we have experienced the death of a coworker as well as a number of injuries. We are searching for ways to make our plant safer for the people who work there. We (union and company) are looking for ways to improve relations with all involved in making our company a better and safer place to work. We are continually striving to find better ways to coexist with one another and to help keep each other safe.
Belinda Nadeau
I’m the CIO for an social media startup called Webjam based in London and working with the CEO to get our culture more customer focused. We currently work with a small set of clients and so everything we can do to build that ‘Wow!’ factor is needed – under-promise and over-deliver. Hence, why I follow Kevin’s website – lots of great ideas to bring into the organization. For me, the book ‘Outstanding!’ looks like a great resource to help a company get even closer to it’s clients and I would love a copy to work with.
John Eikenberry
so….who won?
Hi again – I was just curious how the book give-away / competition went at the end? Who won?
John
This comment came to my email before the deadline. Sorry for the dely in annnouncing a winner – I wil tomorrow!
I am passionate about improving my organization. I am director of Planning and Zoning for Johnson County, Indiana. Community planning is my second career which began just three short years ago after two years obtaining my masters degree in Urban and Regional planning. I retired from over 20 years dairy farming during which I was very involved in my community as a volunteer and leader. During this time I became empassioned about the community building needs and opportunities which this experience exposed me to.
My enthusiasm for my new young career is benefited by life experience resulting a unique mix of knowledge and enthusiasm. My enthusiastic and rooted belief in the possibilities are guided by my knowledge and experience.
I am hungry to gain insight about facilitating improved community. My organization is not only my staff of 9 individuals but our community as a whole. It appears to me that many of the, “47 ways to make our organization exceptional” would apply to our community as a whole as well. The more intense or frequent use of the principles or ways are used within our staff. Though I’m not sure what qualifies me for the book over others, I have come to appreciate your strategy in motivating me to think this through. Regardless, thanks for your work.
Sincerely,
Dan
Dan Batta
Director, Johnson County Planning and Zoning