Remarkable Performances!

The “Encore Effect,” a recently released book, authored by my good friend and colleague, Mark Sanborn, describes how we all want an encore performance. Every performer enjoys the recognition of an extraordinary performance. Sanborn (book available at www.theencoreeffect.com) isn’t saying ‘great’ or ‘excellent’ – he’s saying it’s a REMARKABLE performance that creates the encore effect.

The lessons in this book will either remind you or teach you how to give a remarkable performance in anything you do. Anything? Yes! Whether you are in sales, management, parenthood, teaching - anything! And why not? What is the value in what you do, if it is not done with a goal of “remarkable”?

As a life-long educator, I have often thought about remarkable performances in teaching. Can it be done on a daily basis? How often do teachers get an “S.O.” (standing ovation) at the close of a remarkable lesson or even at the end of the day? As a professional speaker, I strive to give a remarkable performance every time I am on the platform. Remarkable performances result in the encore effect – i.e. attendees want to hear more from you.

As an NFL referee, I also strived for a remarkable performance every game. I asked myself “Did I leave the game today better tha
I found it?” Players, coaches and fans demand that! It is often said that the best officiated game is one in which no one notices “who” they are. Let me argue that. In order for officials to ensure the integrity of the game, their performance needs to be “remarkable.” You want those officials back.

This brings me to NFL referee #85 Ed Hochuli, who has distinguished himself for 19 seasons. Players, coaches, and fans want him back. I won’t take the time to revisit a decision he made in a recent game that was incorrect and not in keeping with his remarkable NFL tenure. No one is more devastated at his miscall than #85 himself. What makes this a remarkable situation is what Hochuli did following that call.

“After further review” and realizing his error, Hochuli spoke to Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner and said, “Coach, I blew it. It was my mistake.” This is in keeping with Hochuli’s philosophy of “just doing the right thing.” Admitting his error (in front of 70,000+ fans and many millions watching on television) puts his performance in the “remarkable” category.

Will you strive for a remarkable performance in everything you do?