The Secret Sauce to Giving 110% at Work (Hint: It’s M.O.R.E.!)
We've all heard the phrase "give 110%" tossed around in the corporate world, right? It's one of those buzzwords managers love to say when asking for just a bit more. But what does it really mean to give 110% at work? Spoiler alert: It's not about working longer hours or burning out trying to impress. It's about adopting a mindset that pushes you to consistently go beyond the bare minimum, to infuse a touch of excellence into everything you do, and to master the little things that others overlook.
So, how can you consistently give 110% at work without feeling like you're running on empty? It's all about your approach—your mindset, attitude, and the habits you build. I've got an acronym for you that sums it up perfectly: M.O.R.E.
M.O.R.E. = Mindset, Ownership, Refinement, Excellence
1. Mindset: Adopt a “110%” Mentality
Giving 110% starts with how you think. Do you approach each task believing you have something unique and valuable to contribute? Or do you go through the motions, doing just what's expected?
Having a "110% mentality" means shifting your mindset from "I'll do what's required" to "I'll do what's required and then some." It's about treating every project, no matter how small, as an opportunity to deliver more value. This could mean putting extra thought into a proposal, finding ways to simplify a complex process, or coming up with solutions before your boss even knows there's a problem.
Challenge yourself: When was the last time you genuinely asked yourself, "How can I make this even better?" If it's been a while, start now.
2. Ownership: Be the CEO of Your Work
One key element of giving more is taking full Ownership of your responsibilities. You touch every project like it's your own business. Imagine for a second that you're the CEO of You Inc. How would you approach your daily tasks if the company's success relied on your performance?
Being the CEO of your work isn't just about doing what you're told—it's about proactively seeking out opportunities, anticipating needs, and solving problems before they escalate. It's about owning mistakes (we all make them) and finding ways to fix them rather than passing the blame or waiting for someone else to step in.
This kind of Ownership leads to trust. Your boss or team will see you as someone who doesn't just complete tasks but drives them. That's the kind of leadership mentality that sets you apart. So, what areas of your work can you "own" more fully?
3. Refinement: Master the Small Details
If excellence lies in the details, refinement is about honing them to perfection. Think of refinement as the process of always asking yourself, "How can I improve?" It's about never settling for "good enough." This is where the difference between 100% and 110% becomes visible. Let's face it: Most people stop at "good enough." They think, "I've done what was asked. Time to move on." But you? You're not like most people. You're aiming for more. That extra 10% often comes from the little things others don't bother with. It could be reproofing a report to catch an error everyone else missed. Or it's taking the time to mentor a colleague even though you weren't asked to. A leader seeks refinement—not perfection—but improvement in small, consistent ways. Ask yourself: What small steps can you take today to improve the quality of your work?
4. Excellence: Make It Your Signature
Excellence is the culmination of mindset, Ownership, and refinement. It's ensuring your work carries your personal stamp of greatness every time. Excellence isn't about being flawless but consistency in exceeding expectations. It's showing that you care about the outcome even when no one is looking. Here's a question: If no one ever knew how hard you worked, would you still put in the same effort? Excellence isn't about getting recognition—it's about finding satisfaction in knowing you've done your best. Whether the spotlight is on or not, it's an internal standard you hold to. If you make excellence a habit, guess what happens? Opportunities will naturally come your way. Promotions, new projects, leadership roles. They follow people who consistently perform at their best.
No Reward, Just Inner Satisfaction
Now, let's be honest here. You need to make the point if you give 110% because you expect a reward. The valid reward is the personal satisfaction you get from knowing you've delivered your best. A unique sense of fulfillment comes from being proud of your work, no matter how big or small the task. It's a paradox: The more you give without expecting anything in return, the more you tend to receive in the long run. But that's not why you do it—you do it because it's part of who you are and the leader you want to become.
The Final Call: Be the Example
Giving 110% isn't just about work—it's about who you are. It's about being a person who always asks, "How can I give more? How can I improve? How can I lead?" And it's about doing it for the right reasons—because excellence is its reward.
So, are you ready to give 110%? Start with M.O.R.E.—shift your Mindset, take Ownership, focus on Refinement, and deliver Excellence in everything you do.
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The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy: How Small Choices Lead to Big Success
If you're ready to give 110% in your work and life, The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy is a game-changer. This must-read book unlocks the power of making small, consistent choices that yield massive results over time. Hardy breaks down how the little things we do daily—whether positive or negative—compound into success or failure. It's the ultimate guide to mastering your habits, refining your actions, and owning your outcomes, which aligns perfectly with the M.O.R.E. framework from our recent article. The book's focus on long-term success will make you feel patient and committed.
Hardy doesn't promise overnight success (because, let's be honest, that's not real). Instead, he shows that the difference between mediocrity and excellence is found in the details—just like the "110% mentality" we discussed. Whether improving your mindset, taking ownership, or pushing for excellence in every task, The Compound Effect will inspire you to keep going when others stop. It encourages you to take ownership, making you feel responsible and in control of your outcomes.
Ready to transform your daily habits into long-term success? Grab your copy of The Compound Effect today and start putting your 110% effort to work! And don't forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for more empowering tips and tools to help you grow into the leader you were meant to be!
