Why Aiming For the Stars Can Backfire

Of course we should aim for the stars if we want to grow our business exponentially. What fantastic lessons though to be learned from a TV programme about chefs trying to get Michelin stars. Essentially it was a documentary about Michelin and the power it wields over the world’s best restaurants. There were interviews with many Michelin starred chefs and much was made about the ambitions and drive of chefs.

The gem hidden amongst all that was something that the very lovely Raymond Blanc said. I am paraphrasing because I didn’t have a pen to hand at the time, but the essence of what he was saying was that chefs are so busy aiming to get Michelin stars that they destroy their businesses throwing everything behind the effort. He said that if only they would remember that what they are striving for is excellence – always excellence- they would grow and maintain a sustainable business. Sometimes, going for the coveted Michelin stars bankrupts the restaurants, sometimes customers leave because they think they won’t be able to afford the “newly starred” restaurant that they know and love.

What lessons are there for your business? Are you aiming for the stars or for excellence?

So, yes, aim for the stars, and make sure that you can sustain your business at a level of excellence in the process.