The Tribune

By D’Arcy Rahming

We all like to preach excellence, but few people really understand that to consistently achieve it, systems are required. I am a believer that talent is overrated, and attitude and properly-directed efforts are the most important factors when trying to make anything first class.

The top-rated American military academy, West Point, continuously produces excellent members of society through two main factors. First of all, a culture of excellence begins with the people. Many factors make West Point extraordinary: the acceptance rate at West Point is 15 per cent; accepted students have to be recommended by a Senator; all students receive full scholarships; and they are expected to give back in service to the country after graduation.

In other words, persons entering this institution are selected based on their talents and attitude towards service. They have a shared vision of service, and were also recommended by a reputable person who knows and shares the values of West Point.

How does this translate to persons working for you? To get similar first rate employees, you should select persons who have recommendations from reputable members of society, and ones that understand the values of your company. Then you should articulate your goals upfront, and before hiring them, so that prospective employees will understand your vision before they try to become a member of the team.

Next, look at your employee hopefuls’ past background and see if they have demonstrated an understanding of your vision in their past activities. This should help to root out those people who are just looking for a job, as opposed to sharing your vision.

West Point’s graduation rate is remarkably high because the institution helps the cadets to excel without lowering their standards. For example, if the standard is set at 20 chin-ups in a session, everyone has to make it. They don’t say: ‘It is now at 10 chin-ups because you are weak’. They will work with you until you reach their standard. No man left behind.

They put their resources in you, because their selection process is so thorough that they know you are worth it. How does this apply to creating a culture of excellence for your organisation? With the right persons on your team, you know your investment in training will not be wasted. If a training employee has the right attitude and capacity, but are not meeting standards, take time to refine their skills to help them reach your standards. Because of their investment in specialised selected students, West Point has an 80 per cent graduation rate.

To have a similar outcome, where your business creates amazing products and services, copy the West Point model by narrowing your selection process and refusing to lower your standards.

NB: D’Arcy Rahming holds an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. A lecturer at the College of the Bahamas, Mr Rahming has clients in general Insurance, retail, the health and medical fields, sports federations and financial services. To receive his marketing newsletter FREE go to http://darcyrahming.com