What does it mean to be World Class?

When I was in high school and playing on the tennis team, I had the opportunity to hear Billie Jean King speak. In her speech she talked about what was required to be a world class athlete – dedication, commitment, persistence… and she exhorted us to engage in “perfect practice”, reminding us of Vince Lombardi’s famous quote…

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”

That afternoon I challenged my brother to a tennis match. Inspired by Billie Jean’s words, I went hard after every ball. I fought for every point. My intensity was through the roof and my focus was like a laser. I was a different person on the court that day, so much so that my brother asked – “What got into you?”

What got into me was inspiration to be better than I ever thought I could be. A model of what world-class looks like. And a roadmap of what is required to get there.

What’s the roadmap to becoming a world class coach and having a world class coaching business?

Here are some things I think are required…

Diligently practicing and honing our craft every day – Teachers teach. Speakers speak. Coaches coach.

Investing in ourselves and our business – BE the client you wish to attract.

Honoring our commitments.

Rigor.

Discipline.

Focus.

Persistence.

Attention to detail.

No typos.

Being impeccable with our word.

Quality work every time.

Always growing, learning, and challenging ourselves.

Over delivering.

Giving away our best stuff.

Practicing what we preach.

Owning our mistakes and making it right.

Integrity.

A willingness to do whatever it takes.

A commitment to being the BEST, even if not the biggest.

Your Turn

What does world-class mean to you? Do you think of yourself as world class? And if you don’t, how might you think or act differently if you did?

With deep love and respect.

P.