Many organizations strive for excellence, yet it is very hard to capture the spirit necessary to make that a reality. What is it that separates those organizations that achieve it from those that don’t? It may all come down to leadership.

The website Big Think recently featured an article called 5 ways for leaders to cultivate a “spirit of excellence” in teams. Written by John Roussot, it starts out by defining what is meant by excellence.

Excellence is not just a destination but a journey — the gradual result of always striving to be better. In the world of team dynamics, this pursuit of excellence becomes a shared mission, elevating each member’s personal and professional performance. Excellence, then, is not merely an aspiration but a continuous process, grounded in the humility to constantly learn, adapt, and grow. This journey is marked by a willingness to test new ideas, learn from every outcome, embrace failures as stepping stones, fail forward and collectively evolve through rich experiences.

What are the five ways that leadership can cultivate a spirit of excellence? It starts with curiosity.

Encourage curiosity: Foster an environment where asking questions is encouraged. Stimulate thought and inspire learning by posing thought-provoking questions and promoting open discussions.

Learn the other four ways by reading the entire article.