SCRIPT

"The Extra Mile"

by Simon Verdon
One of the grandest aims in recent history still required millions of tasks to make it a reality. Each of those tasks required a person to take responsibility and perform the task to the best of their ability. Near enough was not good enough. Every part of the team had to get it right.

When these monuments were built, the craftsmen who worked on them believed that no other human would ever see some of their work. It was quite simply out of sight. Yet they completed that work to perfection. Because it mattered deeply to them that they gave it their very best.

In times of competition people can push themselves and human achievement beyond accepted levels. That desire to achieve and be better than our competitors is what makes the human race so enduring... and successful at overcoming obstacles.

Most of us find it difficult to see such noble aims in our everyday work. Time pressures, production processes, rules and regulations all chip away at the pride we all like to have in what we do. Gradually the facade - the covering - the standard greeting - the formula service all become a substitute for real care - real pride - real job-satisfaction.

But it lies within us to overcome these obstacles to excellence. Just like the ordinary people who helped put a man on the moon, or the craftsmen, or the world-beating athletes, we can do better every single day - whatever we do. If we really care about what we do and give it our all, we build pride in our job and in ourselves. We get noticed, we get praised, we get on. And we grow with the organization we work for and the country we live in.

Think about what you do. Think about how you can improve. Set yourself a target which stretches your abilities and make it happen - each and every day. Put in that extra effort - every time. Just a little more. Almost is never good enough.

But remember that you will always know if you cut corners, fail to do your best, fail to achieve.

Step by step you will improve on your craft, whatever it may be. Receptionist or rocket scientist, statesman or steelworker, flight attendant or fireman, you will gain pride in the quality work you do. Then the words we hear daily - quality, service, excellence - will all be about you and about what you do.

But just as surely, this will only happen if you decide right now to Go The Extra Mile.