At the PWC Diversity Leadership conference in New York, I had the opportunity to meet Malcolm Gladwell. (I am huge fan). His new book, Outliers, which I have already written about in a previous post, was the foundation from which he spoke.

Here is what he said, “Hard work is not a precious commodity”.

I found this statement very powerful. Many of us use ‘hard work’ loosely when we speak. It is NOT common to find environments that foster ‘hard work’. Many of us don’t get opportunity to test our limits or work harder. The world around us is not set up to challenge the status quo…just minimal work and common thinking is encouraged.

Here is why:

1. We don’t permit and allow for creating underdogs. The nature of opportunity for creating underdogs is different than that of creating average performers.

2. We create rules in the world that simply have the function of creating boundaries. Imagine! having rules to test the infinite possibilities.

3. We are slaves to instant gratification. Next generation of talent needs to be hungrier and work harder.

4. We resist investing in building environments that inspire and create leadership, philosophy and opportunity. Risk needs to built into our DNA. And new ways of playing the game need to be fostered.

To build excellence, we have to lead in a way where we encourage effort. Since there are no inherent abilities, we can substitute effort to build ability.

So, if you are wish to be an Outlier – have the courage, persistence to outwork your competitor. Have the desire & attitude to excel in your undertakings….