Unfortunately, in today’s society the concept of being elite has taken on a negative connotation, almost as if this is a negative character trait. I think those who feel this way have misinterpreted the definition of elite, and confused it with words like prideful and arrogance.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines elite as:
“A select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities”

When you think of your team, and the service you provide, do descriptions like superior in terms of ability or quality come to mind? Even if they do not describe your present state, does it define the state you aspire to?  If not, why not?

Think of whatever company or organization that to you edifies the epitome of quality, service, dependability and experience.  While we may all have different opinions on which organizations fall into this list, the reasons they come to our minds is the same. They hold a special place in our hearts and minds, that far out distances their competitors.  Often so much so that there isn’t even a comparison or explanation needed.  They just are, in fact, part of the elite in their field.

Note how companies in this category do not need to be arrogant about their position.  Often, they are in this position because they never cease trying to improve.  When you become arrogant and prideful you often spend too much time boasting of your accomplishments.  When one is focusing on how they are better than others, they aren’t focusing on service or improvement.  Conversely, those organizations who are humble enough to know there is always room for improvement, that they can always learn something from others, never stop growing in quality.

How would you feel if elite was an adjective used to describe your department or organization?  For most, that would be a very welcome, and all too surprising, description.

Now, think of what it would be like for you and your team to aspire to be elite.  Almost immediately, the word “aspire” conjures a sense of movement and growth. What did you just feel?  What sort of vision did you just get a sense of? When you aspire to be elite you immediately generating ideas of how you can improve, how if you think of your customers wants and desires as the ultimate goal, not simply the quick fix, that you could become the very department they look to for help and guidance.

The next time someone asks your team for help, jump at the chance to blow them away, not only in your quality and speed, but also your overflowing willingness to be part of their goals and plans.  And don’t just do it the next time, but do it the time after that, and after that, until it becomes your team’s culture.

Elite technology teams don’t provide elite technology solutions, they become part of their customer’s visions, their first thoughts when they want to shape vision.  And yes, often that vision includes an element of technology.

What character traits do you think elite teams portray? When have you had the chance to be a part of or work with an elite team?