9 Principles
For
Exceptionalism
Use these 9 Principles and ideas to become an exceptional member of your organization.
Exceptional teams or workplaces that people love don’t just happen, they’re made.
pRINCIPLE details
IMPOSSIBLE
IS
POSSIBLE
You’re staring at a goal that feels like climbing Everest in flip-flops. People say “can’t,” but that’s just static. Impossible is just a word until someone—like Edison with his lightbulb—makes it real. Don’t shrug and walk away. Get creative, try every angle, and treat every challenge like a puzzle you’re one move away from solving.
Action
is greater than
analysis
Greatness isn’t born in your head—it’s built with your hands. Stop waiting for the perfect plan or that “ready” feeling; it’s not coming. Progress, even messy, trumps perfection every time. Don’t let fancy systems slow you down. Take the leap, make a move, and figure it out as you go.
Compress
TIME
Time’s a thief—it’ll stretch your work to fill every second you give it. Don’t let it. Set tight deadlines and stick to them like glue. Be the person who acts first, not the one scrambling to catch up. Forget buying time; chase results. Every moment’s a shot to make something happen, so don’t waste it.
be
A
BUFFALO
Picture a buffalo charging through a storm—head down, no fear, no second-guessing. That’s you. Don’t dodge tough problems or let them simmer. Hit them head-on. Have that hard conversation today. Say what needs saying, clear and true, because clarity builds trust and cuts through the noise.
set goals
on
potential
Don’t let yesterday’s story box you in. Your past isn’t your limit—your potential is. Set goals that scare you, ones that bet on what could be, not what was. Keep your eyes on the horizon and grow toward it, knowing the future’s yours to shape.
Radical
CANDOR
Relationships, not titles, move mountains. Show you care about people—their wins, their growth, their struggles. But don’t dodge the tough stuff. Give feedback that’s straight-up and kind, even when it’s hard. Skip the corporate jargon and speak real, because that’s what builds trust and gets results.
EMOTIONAL
INTELLEGENCE
People are the heartbeat of every challenge. Get good at reading them, understanding their emotions, and managing your own. It’s not just about tech skills—connecting, listening, and solving problems together is what matters most. Be the one who lifts others up and keeps things human.
extreme ownership
Of Your Role
and Direct REports
If it happens on your watch, it’s yours—good, bad, or messy. Own it like you’re the boss of your world. Make bold calls, knowing mistakes made with good intent won’t sink you. Ditch the ego, say, “This is on me,” and lead with accountability, whether you’re leading one or one hundred.
EXTREMe
URGENCY
Move like your dreams are on a countdown. Urgency isn’t just speed—it’s a way of life. Keep your inbox at zero, reply fast, and communicate faster. Ask yourself: If I only had four hours this week, what would I do? Prioritize like it’s your last lap, because every second is a chance to win.