After talking about the stalled project’s status and reflecting on the course taken this far we both AGREED the root cause of the stall was due to a lack of vision and clear leadership for the project.

Our conversation then took an unexpected turn.  I asked how we could kick-start the project and ensure the larger joint vision we brainstormed earlier could be implemented. The response?

…..well… our vision and ideas would make a huge, profound impact on the project… but… it would hurt the current project leader’s feelings because we would deviate too far from their initial plan… and, at this point, we should just follow the initial plan because it would be EASIER without hurting anyone’s feelings… besides, the project would still be considered successful using the initial plan…

Instantly, I was horrified. Instantly, I was offended. Instantly, my past work and contributions to the project were felt cheapened. Settling for a mediocre success scares the hell out of me.

Your personal compass for true success must be guided by more than perceived success. Achieving a true success is a hard, sometimes uncomfortable journey. One true success creates more personal satisfaction than racking up ten mediocre successes.

The curse of mediocrity, in my opinion, is the self fulfilling loop of mediocrity that happens when mediocre success becomes the standard your peers look to when holding you accountable.

Mediocrity living and thriving in projects we undertake will eventually takeover and determine the outcome. Mediocre expectations must get flushed out and dealt with at the start of a project.

I want my peers, mentors, and friends to speak up when I try to pass a mediocre success as good enough. Don’t you?