It’s the Boring Stuff that Leads to Greatness

Jim Collins says that “mediocrity stems from chronic inconsistency.” What a powerful and accurate phrase.

It’s frustrating when people want to “change things up” when they are working. Being bored isn’t a good reason to change.

Consider this: A client was interviewed after receiving an award for his company’s incredible growth, success, and culture. When asked his secret, he described a cadence of regular meetings, quarterly priorities, reviewing weekly metrics, repeating the company’s vision often to all employees, hiring on core values, keeping his leadership team healthy, and solving problems.

After his answer, the interviewer looked almost disappointed, hoping for some magic. The interviewer isn’t alone. Most people are looking for an easy way or some magic. There isn’t any.

I urge you to figure out how to get excited about the boring stuff and be consistent. It will make you great in the long run. Meet regularly with your leadership team—two days annually, one day quarterly, and 90 minutes weekly (here’s the Level 10 weekly agenda). Review weekly metrics, share the vision with employees every quarter, build health on your leadership team, set and achieve quarterly priorities, and hire-fire-review-reward-recognize on core values.

Stay consistent. Another great Jim Collins quote is “overnight successes take 20 years.”