Promising to produce and ship custom printed products within 24 hours of receiving a request may seem like a lofty aspiration. However, according to Pam Bilbrey and Brian Jones, co-authors of “Ordinary Greatness,” the prerequisite steps are surprisingly pedestrian in nature. What follows is a sampling of advice from Bilbrey and Jones—simple habits anyone can adopt, starting today, to make the transition from run-of-the mill to great:
1. Walk your talk. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. No one’s ever going to take you seriously otherwise.
2. If you make a promise, keep it. Elementary as this sounds, we all occasionally fall prey to making overly ambitious declarations (i.e., promising to deliver the big project a day sooner than you realistically can). Keep your promises manageable, and you’ll never disappoint.
3. Do sweat the small stuff. Tiny details can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived by others. For instance, remembering a client has a food allergy at a dinner meeting demonstrates your capacity for staying on top of small details.
4. Plan for the worst. No matter how well prepared you are, fate has a funny way of throwing a monkey wrench into things from time to time. Even if things go according to plan 99 percent of the time, it's that other 1 percent that can really get you into trouble. Let's say you're working on a big project with a tight deadline. Carefully think through any obstacles that might arise and lay the groundwork for solutions in advance. When trouble strikes, you'll be prepared and your work won't suffer—a true sign of greatness.
5. Always act as if someone is watching you. Whether at work or home, pretend you’re being evaluated 24-7. Acquiring good working habits and life skills are the natural consequence–and these traits will not go unnoticed by others.
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