Joe Robert Thornton believes that the opposite of excellence is not failure; it is something worse... mediocrity. He believes that chronic mediocrity is often a symptom of ineffective leadership rather than incapable personnel.
Joe Robert Thornton also believes there is another condition just as destructive as mediocrity... indifference. When success is not achieved, there are times when the barrier is something more challenging to detect... apathetic leadership: the do-just-enough-to-get-by leadership. Indifference. Joe Robert Thornton defines indifference is the ethical and moral ability to look away, do nothing... and be okay with it.
In The Depths of Mediocrity: Eliminating Indifference, Joe Robert Thornton examines the elements that can be applied in our daily life to avoid mediocrity and indifference. Also, through storytelling, he describes how to turn the negative consequences of mediocrity and indifference into something positive.
Mediocrity and indifference are dramatically impacting our world, not just in the space of leadership but in every part of our lives. This book dives deep into both subjects, using current-day issues, and challenges the role of leadership in driving out both mediocrity and indifference.
Joe Robert Thornton is taking this approach because he feels it is time for a reality check. As a society, he has observed us careening toward mediocrity and indifference at an alarming rate. He has witnessed mediocrity and indifference accelerating in leaders of all levels, and frankly, he has had enough. "Looking the other way," "taking the high road," and "waiting for this to pass" are just not getting it done. It is time to step forward and call out mediocrity and indifference whenever and wherever we see it.
There are real-life situations described in the book that are increasing the stakes of our daily lives. Our collective freefall has been well-documented over the past few years... and topped off by the compounding effect of the recent global pandemic.
So, a caution here: This is not a feel-good book. This is also not a self-help book; it is a self-reflection book. Joe Robert Thornton explores the dark side- he wants you to feel something as you read this book.
This book is hopeful too. It affirms the amazing things people do every day when mediocrity and indifference are removed. In the space of leadership and success in general- effort and doing a little bit more do matter.
At the book's end, Joe Robert Thornton hopes you will be inspired, but he will be more satisfied if you are compelled to act.
In this book, you will learn about:
* The problems created by mediocrity and indifference
* The potentially damaging statement- "I Didn't Know"
* The importance of caring more
* How comparisons can lead to mediocrity
* The relevance of paying attention to details
* The power of kindness
* The negative impact of blaming
* The benefits of overachieving
* What going the extra mile really means
* The value of effervescent effort
If you want to overcome mediocrity and indifference in your life and in your leadership role, this book is for you.