My selection of failure factors is based upon personal observation of what I directly see happening and then confirming in my simulations that such a thing would indeed cause failure.  Mediocrity clearly causes an organization to fall far from optimal.  However, my observation that mediocrity is increasing could be that 1) I am becoming more sensitive to it, 2) the need for skilled behavior has increased, or 3) there really is a drop in skilled behavior.  I, naturally, tend to believe number 3.

I also have a concern that we are splitting into a society of the mediocre and the highly capable with little in between. 

Furthermore, I am concerned that the tendency to rely on process and methodology has a dumbing down effect.  When methodology is pushed there is less emphasis on the individual quality of the contributors.  There is a tendency to treat people as if they are interchangeable parts in the process.  Or perhaps the implementation of methodology is a reaction to a general increase in mediocrity.  More likely the reality is that it is a combination of both. 

What I can say with complete confidence is that insisting on high standards of excellence at Northern California Ballet has resulted in uncharacteristically high achievement.  Uncharacteristic only in that for a small community the number of dancers receiving artistic honors and scholarships is out of proportion to the size of the community.  When you expect outstanding accomplishment, you get it.  However, it does not happen quickly.  Each year it is the dancers’ prior accomplishments that tend to push toward greater achievement.  Looking at a 3 decade history it is truly remarkable to see the difference.   

I see the same pattern in many places such as the Ashland Shakespeare Festival and New York City Ballet.

But I also see the reverse pattern.  Mediocrity also tends to escalate.  I see it in our education system and especially our local high school.  And yet every where I look I see pockets of excellence.  There is a local high school teacher who has the students re-enact what it felt like immigrating to this country.  Another, who creates special science and technology projects where the students develop something different each year and each year what they create is noteworthy and they receive high honors in national competition. 

Regardless of the overall level of mediocrity in our organizations and society in general, if one is striving for optimal achievement, then the malaise of mediocrity must be avoided.  Once it enters an organization it is very difficult to remove.  In contrast once a group has tasted excellence, hang on.  It is quite a ride.

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