The Excellence Dividend by Tom Peters

In THE EXCELLENCE DIVIDEND author Tom Peters says; “Excellence is a moment-to-moment way of life.  Or it is nothing at all.  There’s no tomorrow in excellence; there is only right now.”  Peters has crafted this book in fifteen sections, dealing with the broad categories like people, innovation, adding value, and leadership.   As I read, I vividly remember being a graduate student and referring to In Search of Excellence which Peters co-wrote with Bob Waterman.  Both of these books are based on similar themes and filled with examples of successful companies like Commerce/Metro banks and their strong customer orientation which is profiled in THE EXCELLENCE DIVIDEND.  As Peters himself notes, both books also appeared when “America’s mood was dire.” In 1982, recession was in full swing, unemployment was at 10.8 percent and concerns about Japanese inroads into markets like automobiles, electronics and steel were widespread. In 2018, we once again are focused on negative economic news associated with income inequality, a poorly prepared workforce (see NBC News’ recent report on equipping students with better skills), and concerns about foreign trade and competition. 

Even if you are not a business person, this new paperback, filled with bolded quips and lists, is an inspirational read. For example, he writes (and has spoken) often about MBWA … Management By Walking Around.  Hopefully, THE EXCELLENCE DIVIDEND will encourage readers to look at their work environments differently and to explore the guidelines and activities which Peters describes.  THE EXCELLENCE DIVIDEND received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.