How to Excel at Results

Getting Results at the Tour de France

The journey of a Tour de France team is long, hard, and grueling work. To reach the pinnacle of the sport—winning as an individual and as a team—takes total focus and commitment. The 2016 victory marked Team Sky’s fourth Tour de France win in five years, which is a remarkable feat.

Chris Froome claimed a momentous second individual victory in the Tour de France as the 2016 edition

came to a close in Paris. After 21 stages and three relentless weeks of racing, Froome topped the podium with an eventual winning margin of one minute and 12 seconds over nearest rival.

The final 109.5-kilometre test played out in soaking conditions but that did not dampen the spirits of a victorious team. Presiding over his third Tour success, Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford put the victory into perspective. He said:

“I think tactically and from a team perspective it’s the best Tour we’ve ridden. The guys didn’t put a foot wrong and then of course Chris finished it off. So it’s very satisfying from that point of view.”

Rather than simply looking to weather the storm during a difficult opening nine days of racing, Team Sky took the initiative, battling through cobbles and crosswinds to ensure Froome was in the box seat as the race hit the mountains.

Team Sky winning the Tour de France is a great lesson and example of the SERVE model at work!

Excel at Results

The practical goal is to be the very best in what and how you deliver your product. People want and need to be a part of a winning organization. This requires continual commitment to all aspects of the process. It will also necessitate investing in the next generation of leaders and possessing an eye to the future. Be willing to change.

The three best practices for excelling at results include –

1. Communicate and Celebrate

Communicate and continually examine the gaps where you can improve in relationships and results. Dialogue and examine the gaps in relationships and in the results. Good communication takes listening and two-way dialogue. The communication needs to flow up and flow down to all levels. Without communication, assumptions are made, people are hurt and progress is slowed. Communication of expected outcomes is key.

2. Lead Change 

First change begins with one focusing on the right priorities and then letting go of things that are time wasters or things not to do. To achieve excellence and results you must use time effectively, not just efficiently. Time stressors are some of the most pervasive sources of pressure in the workplace, and they happen as a result of having too much to do, in too little time. Intentional decisions must be made to change the way you work.

3. Sustain and Scale

Great business models can reshape industries and drive spectacular growth. Yet many companies find business-model innovation difficult. Measure what matters most, and be diligent about it. One key strategy to sustain and scale leaders must be developing future leaders. To do it, this strategic leader must be relational and authentic; visionary and inspiring; and mentoring and empowering.

The SERVE model, in particular this step on excelling at results, will revolutionize your leadership, bring exceptional practices and extraordinary results in order to establish you and your organization as world-class. What are your thoughts and experiences on this topic? Share them here in the Comments Section of this blog.

BW

(Editor’s Note: This article shares content from Bruce Witt’s upcoming book, SERVE: The Five Leadership Disciplines for Extraordinary Results. Due for release in Fall 2016.)