EDITORIAL

Leadership guru Tom Peters said, “Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence—only in constant improvement and constant change.” No matter the type of organization, both internal and external environmental forces are constantly changing. The most highly successful organizations embrace the need for change and continuous improvement. They hunger to improve and to capitalize on new opportunities. Such an organizational mindset allows them to adapt and to be nimble enough to maximize the benefits of an evolving marketplace.  

The same principles of continuous improvement that apply to organizations are also applicable to individuals. William Shakespeare conveyed the notion in a different way when he said, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” Individuals who hunger to become the very best versions of themselves are constantly challenging themselves and pushing their personal limits. Their personal status quo is not good enough. They are passionately driven to become better and find mediocrity to be repugnant.

But what about the organizations that have both? What about those rare organizations that have a culture focused on continuous improvement and fill their ranks with individual employees that are equally committed to personal self-improvement? I would argue that these rare organizations not only become industry leaders, but that through their success, they change their entire market sectors for the better. 

Weatherford College has a long history of success. However, society is changing, technology is changing, business and industry labor demands are changing, and most importantly, student need is changing. Today’s students must be nimble problem solvers, creative thinkers, and must possess the ardent ability to overcome adversity. They will change jobs many times in their respective careers. Many will work in professions that do not currently exist. They must be able to simultaneously think independently yet work effectively as a team. Both Weatherford College and her students must be highly committed to continuous improvement if we are to become our collective best.

Our students are doing well, our faculty and staff are doing well, but collectively, we can become even better. By committing ourselves to continuous improvement, we can ensure that the very best days of Weatherford College lie ahead.

Tod Allen Farmer

President, Weatherford College