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Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965), one of the most significant
political and wartime figures of the 20th century, was widely recognized
for his tireless tenacity and timely wit. This week’s quote epitomizes
both traits. It is an expression of his standards for excellence,
sprinkled with enough humor to help the medicine go down, so to speak.
May it inspire and serve you well this week.
Ric Moxley – Managing Editor
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I am easily satisfied by the
very best.
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— Sir Winston Churchill
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Key Point
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Is it wrong to demand excellence from your co-workers or
from vendors? Obviously Churchill would say, "no." As in
winning a war, a business cannot expect to win in the marketplace
without company-wide standards of superior service and production. With
unflagging determination to defeat the enemy, Churchill inspired excellence
in his fellow countrymen with his "never give up" mission
statement and with expectations of nothing less than their "very
best." He knew that, to succeed, the vision must do more than
drive him: It had to drive the entire country. For any great business
task, this is no less true.
Of course, the power of Churchill's message is only
inspiring because he lived the standards he demanded. How much
influence can one expect, when the same "I am easily satisfied by
the very best" message is delivered by one who isn't doing
likewise? First, exemplify excellence, then communicate it and expect
it, just as Churchill did.
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Marketing Value
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Employed in promotional copy, this quote can be used
analogously to express your desire to provide nothing less than the
best for your customers.
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In Speaking . .
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This Churchill quote makes a strong opening for a speech
when introducing a project launch, a new product or service, or when
speaking on the topic of excellence. This is particularly true when the
endeavor will likely face daunting odds.
Introduce the quote and express its significance in light
of the man who originally spoke it and the role he played in inspiring
his country in a time of such adversity. Then move directly into the
task at hand and excite your audience to its significance for the company
or department. Finally, return to the quote in closing, asking that
each person be satisfied with nothing less than the very best from
themselves and from you.
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In Writing . .
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As with the public speaking example above, use the quote,
"I am easily satisfied by the very best," in the context of
the man who originally spoke it. In so doing, you bring out the humor
inherent in the quote, while clearly implying your own expectations. To
demand excellence on your own accord requires daring and risks
alienation. To demand it in the same spirit as that of Churchill and
the victory he sought for his beleaguered country, you inspire your
reader to share in the same spirit that inspired you.
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Beyond the Workplace . . .
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Most of us desire to teach our children the value of a
strong work ethic - of excellence in any endeavor. Using these words
from Churchill - with or without quoting your source - can humorously
express your expectations regarding chores, homework, or relationships
with peers and family members.
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What is Your Favorite Quote?
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Do you have a favorite quote that has either served you
inspirationally in the workplace or has been a nice bit of spice in
speech or in writing? Write
and tell us about it. We may feature your quote in a future issue
to inspire others.
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Let WriteWorks Help
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When excellence is needed in your communications, let
WriteWorks help. Our world-class wordsmiths add effectiveness and
accuracy to your internal and external written and spoken efforts.
Contact us to learn more!
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