The Evolution of Excellence™: Why Standing Still Is Not an Option!
By Michelle Hoskin, Creator of The Evolution of Excellence™
Let’s be real for a second… Excellence? It’s not something you tick off a to-do list. It’s not a badge you wear once and forget about. It’s a living, breathing, amazing thing that evolves, grows, and pushes you to be consistently better!
That’s why, nearly 20 years ago at the ripe wise age of 27 I created a very simple but super valuable concept which we recently renamed The Evolution of Excellence™.
It was created because I could see that people – despite spending thousands of pounds on having me consult for them, would always fall back into old habits of behaviour – clearly knowing better!
As the years went on – this started to really grate on me… deep down all I wanted for them was to grow, develop, transform and more than anything, I wanted excellence to become a part of who they were – not something they just did when they were told to!
So, I built a framework that works not just in the moment, but in long term too. One that continues to guide our incredible clients year after year, no matter where they are in their journey.
Above: This is the visual version of The Evolution of Excellence™, the very framework we’ve used with every one of our training, consultancy and certification clients.
Excellence isn’t just what you do – it is who you are!
Let me tell you something I say all the time (probably way too much, but it’s true!): Excellence is not the end goal. It’s the journey.
That’s where so many people go wrong. They hit a milestone and stop. But that’s not how greatness works. That’s not how legacy works.
The Evolution of Excellence™ is about constantly improving, refining, and redesigning and relaunching how you work, how you show up, and how you serve others. And here’s the best bit: it never ends!
The Five Magic Phases
We take our clients through one phase each year, because trying to do it all at once is like drinking from a firehose! Each stage builds on the last, creating momentum, confidence, and real, tangible change.
Let me give you the inside scoop:
Educate – Awareness & Understanding
This is where it all starts. Awareness! We can’t fix or elevate what we don’t understand. Education gives you (and your team!) the knowledge and context to build something amazing.
Establish – Your Practices & Principles
Now it’s time to put your flag in the ground. What are your values? What are your systems? What do you stand for? This phase sets the scene. It’s the bedrock of consistency and quality.
Embed – Take It to the Next Level
Once we know what we’re doing, we get it into our bloodstream. Embedding is all about turning what you know into how you operate, every day, without fail. It’s where good businesses become GREAT.
Elevate – Continual Improvement
Now we’re cooking! This is where you look at what’s working and ask: how can we make it even better? You elevate everything, your systems, your people, your performance.
Endless – Your New Way of Working
Ahhh, my favourite! Excellence isn’t a one-off achievement. Endless means never stopping. Always asking, how can we be better today than we were yesterday? This is where the magic becomes the culture.
Why It Works (Yes, Really!)
You might be thinking, “Michelle, does this actually work?” Oh my goodness YES.
Here’s just a sneak peek at what we’ve seen from our wonderful clients over the years who use the framework:
- 93% said their team engagement increased
- 87% reported better client experiences and outcomes
- 78% saw operational efficinecies and cost savings
- And 100% yes, every single one, said the framework added value beyond their expectations.
Now that is what I call results!
Why It Matters (and Why You Should Care)
The world is changing. Fast. And standing still is basically moving backwards. Excellence gives you the edge. But not just any excellence, the kind that sticks, grows, and keeps on giving.
This framework doesn’t just improve your systems, it transforms your culture. It empowers your people. It builds trust with your clients. It reduces your risks. And, let’s be honest, it just makes work feel better.
Because when everyone knows where they’re going, what they stand for, and how they’re growing – magic happens.
Want to Start Your Own Evolution?
Good news, you totally can!
Even if you’re not (yet!) one of our clients, here’s how you can dip your toe into how we work:
Step 1: Educate
Start with a team chat. Ask: “What does excellence look like for us?” Get people thinking. Get them inspired. Use the five phases as a fun, honest self-check.
Step 2: Map It Out
Take each phase and review your current state. Where are you smashing it? Where are you a bit… wobbly? Prioritise one area and make a plan.
Step 3: Make It a Habit
Whether it’s quarterly team reviews or a full-blown excellence strategy – keep going. Book it in. Review. Reflect. Refocus.
And hey, if you want help with it, we’ve got your back. This is what we do!
One Final Thing from Me
Excellence is a choice. A bold, beautiful, empowering choice to become the best version of your business, and yourself.
And just when you think you’ve got there… there’s another level waiting to be unlocked.
So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s evolve. Together.
With endless passion and endless improvement,
Michelle
Main image: braden-collum-9HI8UJMSdZA-unsplash
