Monday Morning Musings
Volume XXIV, Number 25 (Issue 1186 ) June 22, 2026
Exceptional – Part II
One of my favorite pieces of verse is found in Jacula Prudentum [Arrows of the Wise] written in 1640 by George Herbert. That text reads as follows:
For the want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For the want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For the want of a horse the rider was lost.
For the want of a rider the battle was lost.
For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
In short, the details together with quality workmanship matter, and they certainly do if one is to deliver exceptional service on a consistent basis.
Inasmuch as we tend to be visual in nature, allow me to paint a more complete picture of this line or reasoning. On the way to a battle a horse ridden by the captain of one of the king’s guards throws a shoe. When the poorly shod animal throws that shoe, it stumbles causing the rider to fall and be injured. As a result, this now leaderless unit does not arrive at the battle at a critical juncture, resulting in a resounding defeat for the king’s army. At that point, the remnants of the army, including the king, retreat to the castle for a final, but ultimately fruitless, last stand.
Upon reaching his castle the king rushes through the gate, stopping his horse in front of the stables where he sees the farrier at work. Having learned of why a unit of the guard failed to arrive at the battle front in time, in a fit of anger and frustration, the king rushes into the stable, drawing his sword and running the farrier through as he exclaims, “It is all your fault.”
You and I can relate to the king in this scene because in our worst moments, we easily become agitated whenever someone fails to live up to our expectations. But now let me rewrite Herbert’s poem.
Because no nail was lost no shoe was lost.
Because no shoe was lost no horse was lost.
Because no horse was lost no rider was lost.
Because no rider was lost the battle was won.
Because the battle was won the kingdom was preserved.
In this scenario we see a very different picture. Now, the king leads his victorious army back to the castle to celebrate. Stopping to dismount in front of the stables, he spies the farrier hard at work. In that moment does the king turn to head for the great hall to celebrate the victory or does he first take a moment to walk into the stable to thank the craftsman, saying, “I want to thank you for your good work. Because you and others did what was expected, we had a great victory today. Thank you!”?
You and I are quick to recognize and honor the exceptional performance and performer. However, it has been my experience that we seldom honor those who, day-in and day-out, do a good job. Yet it is precisely those core performers who are critical to our and our organization’s success. Regrettably, those contributions often go unappreciated and therefore not acknowledged. To the extent there is an element or attempt at recognition, much of it is directed towards a large group plus it is lacking in specifics. We must change that.
If we are to win the trust, respect, and loyalty of those around us, then the rule is recognition must be timely, event specific, and directed toward the individual/team. Otherwise, it can come across as both perfunctory and lacking in sincerity. So, note to self: make a habit of honoring all who do a good job day-in and day-out for they too make our successes possible.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
Transforming Potential into Unmatched Performance
Copyright 2026 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are both welcomed and encouraged.