How do the best become the best? Achieving and maintaining elite performance is extremely difficult. There will be setbacks along the way. Yet the best are always looking for ways to improve their performance.

An example of this truth was evident in a call I had with some leaders from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. I will be meeting with groups there in late April to work with them on how to provide a great patient and family experience.

With all pre-calls, I do research into the organization. In healthcare, there is a lot of publicly reported data. It was no surprise that U.S. News & World Report rated MD Anderson the number-one cancer center in the United States. They are a high performer in metrics like patient experience and likelihood of recommending. 

In getting ready for the call, I felt like a basketball coach being asked by Michael Jordan for help in being a better player. The best always look for ways to get better.

After the MD Anderson call, I thought, How blessed am I to be connected to great organizations and people? That led to this column. 

What are some of the characteristics that set exceptional leaders apart?

1. They are curious about how things work and how to get better. 

2. They are not content with the results. Yes, they celebrate accomplishments. However, they quickly move on to how to sustain and even improve their performance.

3. They are self-critical. Because they are such high performers, getting feedback is challenging. They are assertive in asking for feedback. My take is that they have superb self-awareness. They notice the little things that separate good from great and great from greater.

4. They understand the need to make others around them better. Every great performer is quick to help others, give credit to others, and strive to make others better. They develop great teams.

5. They look at themselves versus blaming or excuse-making, and they think about how they can lead others better.  

6. They have a deep passion for what they do. They have a greater purpose. It is not about title or money. It is about making a difference.

7. They are not defensive. The sure way to not grow is to be defensive when provided feedback.

8. They invest in those around them.

The best leaders don’t see development as an expense but as an investment. They see investing in people as important as buying technology and/or building facilities, if not more so.

9. They create ways for themselves and others to have fun.

10. They are skilled in operations. While they are master delegators, they know what to measure and how to adjust and pivot when needed. 

As I wrote, I am blessed to meet so many wonderful people in workplaces and in life in general. We are the fortunate ones. Each day that we wake up and can make a difference is a gift.

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Quint Studer is the author of 16 books on leadership in the workplace and the community. His book “Building a Vibrant Community” is a valuable resource for civic leaders, business owners, and all citizens who have a stake in building a community. He can be reached at Quint@QuintStuder.com.