Article contributed by Margo Bastow CPM GAICD, Director of Community Relations, Santa Maria College, WA
As members of the school’s leadership team, we are often asked, “How can we encourage students to strive for Excellence?“
But as leaders, we also need to ask ourselves, How are we embedding Excellence in our own teams, departments, and learning areas?
Recently, our Principal posed a thought-provoking question to the Leadership team:
“How can we build a culture of Excellence and promote it in our work in 2025?”
It was a great reminder that Excellence is not just something we expect from students. It should be at the core of how we lead. Many of us already model Excellence every day, but we do not always make that connection. By intentionally defining, communicating, and recognising Excellence, we can create a workplace where it is not just an aspiration but an expectation.
So, how can leaders embed Excellence in their teams? Here are seven key ways to create a culture where Excellence thrives.
1. Lead by Example
If we want Excellence to be a defining characteristic of our teams, it must start with us.
- Set high standards by demonstrating a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to quality in all tasks, from strategic decisions to daily operations.
- Embrace continuous learning by showing curiosity, pursuing professional development, and sharing new knowledge with the team.
- Be accountable by taking responsibility for decisions, acknowledging mistakes, and using them as learning opportunities.
2. Communicate Excellence Clearly
Excellence cannot be a vague concept. It must be clearly defined so that it is understood and achievable.
- Define Excellence by linking it to the organisation’s mission, values, and goals. Creating an Excellence Charter can help ensure a shared understanding and commitment.
- Provide clarity by setting clear, measurable goals and expectations so every team member knows what success looks like.
- Celebrate success by recognising and sharing examples of Excellence, whether through individual achievements or team efforts.
3. Inspire and Support Your Team
Great leaders bring out the best in their teams by offering both challenge and support.
- Encourage innovation by giving team members the freedom to explore new ideas and approaches.
- Provide constructive feedback that is honest, specific, and focused on growth.
- Invest in professional development by identifying opportunities for team members to build skills through training, mentoring, or new challenges.
4. Foster a Culture of Excellence
Culture is built through daily actions and shared values.
- Promote collaboration by creating an environment where team members feel safe sharing ideas, asking questions, and working together.
- Focus on growth by encouraging a mindset that values progress over perfection. Effort, resilience, and learning should be celebrated just as much as results.
- Showcase Excellence by highlighting outstanding work in meetings, newsletters, or on social platforms to inspire others.
5. Build Strong Relationships
Excellence is strengthened when people feel valued, supported, and connected.
- Listen actively to team members’ ideas, feedback, and concerns.
- Be approachable and create an open communication environment where team members feel comfortable seeking guidance or raising challenges.
- Show empathy by supporting team members through difficulties and recognising their personal and professional milestones.
6. Reflect Excellence in Decision-Making
Leaders influence the culture of an organisation through the decisions they make.
- Be strategic by aligning decisions with long-term goals and the organisation’s values.
- Be decisive and fair by making transparent, consistent, and well-considered decisions.
- Prioritise Excellence over convenience by maintaining high standards and avoiding shortcuts when effort and collaboration can produce better outcomes.
7. Recognise and Reward Excellence
Recognition reinforces positive behaviours and encourages a culture where Excellence is the norm.
- Reward effort by acknowledging both individual and team achievements.
- Make recognition meaningful by tailoring it to each person’s contributions and preferences.
- Encourage peer recognition so that team members acknowledge and celebrate each other’s successes.
Embedding Excellence in Leadership
Leadership sets the tone for what is valued in an organisation. If Excellence is to be more than just a word on a values statement, it must be lived and reinforced every day. Leaders who define high standards, communicate expectations clearly, and model Excellence in their own behaviour create a workplace culture where people are inspired to do their best.
A culture of Excellence does not develop overnight, nor is it the result of one initiative or program. It is built through daily choices, how we lead, how we support our teams, and how we respond to challenges. Excellence is not about being perfect; it is about setting a high standard, striving for continuous improvement, and ensuring that the pursuit of Excellence is recognised and celebrated.
As we look ahead to 2025, the challenge for every leader is this: How will we be intentional about Excellence in our work? It starts with us.
How do you foster Excellence in your team? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Originally published on LinkedIn, 3 February 2025 (Marketing Schools Newsletter)
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