‘E’ Is For Excellence

Anybody who has served at sea with the U.S. Navy is aware of the coveted ‘E’ award. The award stands for Excellence and is awarded, annually, based on a fleet wide competition, which measures the performance of each ship against an established set of rigid standards. By any measurement, it’s a big deal. A very, very, big deal…

The winning ship paints a large white ‘E’ on the bridge bulwarks on both the port and starboard sides of the ship. A ship that wins five consecutive battle efficiency competitions will replace the white ‘E’ with a gold one.

All ships in the fleet are battle ready and seaworthy. With extremely rare exceptions, they all maintain full compliments of crew, arms, munitions and necessary supplies to execute orders on command, at any hour of the day. Ships strategically placed around the world can, and do, respond to spontaneous crises, whether instantly, within hours, or a day, are in position to support whatever emergency occurs.

Some ships, however, are more proficient than others. They all have the exact same layout as their fellow ships of the same class. They have the same number of crew, the same arms, and munitions. They should be identical twins, right? It’s not even close, most of the time.

Being More than Ship-Shape!

Those ships bearing the ‘E’ are model ships with high crew morale, high scores in training exercises, pristine conditions aboard, and a huge pride amongst every member of the ship’s compliment from the captain, on down to the newest seaman apprentice. They are the best of the best. Every member of the crew wanted, worked for, and expected their ship to be selected for the award. It meant giving more than just what is expected. Nothing within their realm of responsibility was compromised or omitted.

They insisted on excellence for themselves as well as every other shipmate and weren’t happy until, collectively, they achieved it.

Other ships of the same class, although fully operational and battle ready, are noticeably different as to the state of ship shape, morale and performance. Uniforms are not worn with the same level of pride, the paint job not as crisp, below decks are not as orderly and clean. Many of the little things that make a ship function well are slighted or ignored. Overall, it becomes a chore to serve on those ships, which try to get by on less than what is expected of every crew member of the ship.

Average vs. Outstanding Performance

The difference between the outstanding performing ship and those which are just a part of the fleet is the leadership of its officers starting with the captain and executive officer. They not only bear full responsibility of the ship, they set the tone for the crew to follow. Their leadership and vision provide the example that the crew can follow to attain their common goals of being fully prepared and readily available to meet all demands, which they may be called on to perform.

Excellence in any organization emanates from its leaders. That is true in business as well as the military. Leadership is all about responsibility. Leadership is inspiring others to pursue your vision within the parameters you set, to the extent that it becomes a shared effort, a shared vision, and a shared success (Steve Zeitchik, 2012).

The vision that a business leader has for a company is vital to that enterprise’s success. How well owners define and describe that vision will impinge upon how well their support structure (employees, financial resources, etc.) aid in achieving their objectives. Leaders must be able to project their vision, vividly and accurately, to whomever they expect to assist in their endeavor.

Leaders must start with a detailed plan that clearly leads the way to their end goals. This plan gives an operation a structure, which keeps the business functional and defines everyone’s role in the company’s progress to success. Leaders must be able to articulate every facet of their plans and communicate those details to each member of their staff, so that there is no mistake about responsibilities and objectives. Leaders also have to earn and instill complete trust from the staff, if they are to believe in the project and do what they need to do in the most dedicated, proficient manner, possible.

Excellence in performance will depend upon how well each and every member of a team is able to make productive contributions through their talent, knowledge, skills, and good work habits. They must contribute to the achievement of group goals and work effectively with others in a group setting. Team members must want to excel in all aspects of their work.

What it Takes to Achieve Excellence

Outstanding leaders organize people and resources toward the effective and efficient pursuit of predetermined objectives. They create the environment for commitment to, and vigorous pursuit of, a clear and compelling vision, stimulating the group to the highest of performance standards. These leaders build enduring greatness through a powerful professional will and the ability to inspire others to join with them to achieve the ultimate in excellence!