Good morning,
This past March fifty-one years ago, I started working for my father-in-law at Glen’s Market in East Jordan, Michigan. Dad, as I called him, was not only a father but also a wonderful mentor in business which I will always be forever grateful. Boy was I excited, scared, and full of questions on my first day of work. I was soon-to-be married to Grandma in June, so my questions only increased.
I’m sure you can relate to my feelings of wanting to be effective not only for Glen’s Market, my father-in-law who I admired, but most of all for me, Denny Freeman.
Let me ask you a few questions.
- Are you working toward being a leader or manager in your job?
- Are you working for a promotion or maybe a wage increase?
- Are you in school or college and trying to make a better grade or get on a sports team?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then I want to sell you on a principle that has helped me these last fifty-one years. This principle will give you a return on your investment. This principle is a choice, an attitude, that requires your effort. What is this principle?
Always go the extra mile
Are you someone who consistently goes the extra mile and routinely over-delivers on your promises? It’s rare these days, but it’s the hallmark of successful achievers. They simply do more for others. As a result, they experience not only greater financial rewards for their extra effort, but they increase in self-confidence, self-reliance, and influence with those around them.
Zig Ziglar shared a story about a grocery clerk named Jack who was checking prices in the competitor’s grocery store. Everything Jack did was fast and efficient in a polite way. The owner of the grocery store, who was talking to one of his stock boys, made a comment about Jack. “Jack is a real good worker for the grocery store across the street and he’s in line for a raise.” The clerk answered, “How do you know he’s up for a raise?” The owner said, “I know he’s up for a raise because if that company doesn’t give him one, I will.”
- So why go the extra mile?
- And what’s the payback for you?
When you give more than what’s expected, you’re more likely to receive promotions, raises, bonuses, and extra benefits. And you won’t have to worry about job security. You’ll also find you feel more satisfied at the end of each day.
So be willing to put in the time and effort.
Part of the commitment of always going the extra mile is the willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. You say to yourself, “You’re going to get it done no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes, no matter what comes up. It’s a done deal.”
You’re taking responsibility for the results you intend to receive. No excuses–just a world-class performance or an outstanding result that can be relied upon.
Consider this example, Ernest Hemingway rewrote his bestselling novel Farewell to Arms thirty-nine times. His dedication to excellence led him to win the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for Literature later in his career.
Ask yourself this question, How good do you want to be?
If a business goes the extra mile for you, don’t they earn your respect, loyalty, and referral?
If you’re focused on only your needs, you may think giving more than is expected is unfair. Why should you give extra effort without compensation or recognition? Good question. You have to trust that eventually you will get an impeccable reputation, one of your most valuable assets. As a Christian, we are encouraged in the Bible to work or serve as though we are serving God:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23 NIV)
Wow! That changes everything.
What can you do to go the extra mile and give more value to your boss, more service to your clients and customers, or more value to your students? One way is to surprise people with more than they expect. It will bless them and you’ll realize this is who you are and how you’re going to live your life.
I was shopping for clothes at Nordstroms the other day, and for years they’ve been a leader in a “no questions asked, you could return anything at anytime” policy. That’s a company policy that goes the extra mile for their customers. Does it get abused? Sure it does! But, as a result of this policy, Nordstroms has an extraordinary reputation for quality customer service. By the way, Nordstroms is very profitable.
Here’s the bottom line:
Going the extra mile works. Make a commitment to yourself to be a world-class person by going the extra mile and exceeding expectations–starting today!
Until next month,
Love, Grandpa