Wright’s Rule of 5

French writer Albert Camus once wrote: “Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.”

That little bit of wisdom reminds me of a recent meeting with my friend Lloyd Wright. Lloyd is a former executive coaching client. I helped him with his family business, which he eventually sold in 2015.

Lloyd and I stay in touch, and we get together occasionally to talk and reconnect. The last time we sat down together, we talked a little about the lessons he had learned during our coaching sessions and how he’s passing along some of what worked for him—even tweaking that knowledge—to his grandson, who is new to the workforce.

Solid, Lasting Advice

Lloyd said that he has been giving his young grandson advice that will help him throughout his career. Among the things he’s sharing: “Do 5 percent more than the best person working with you.”

Five might not seem like a huge number, but it adds up really quickly.

Lloyd also told his grandson:  Come in 5 or 10 minutes earlier than everyone else, and stay 5 to 10 minutes later than they do, too. Look at what the best employees do in their jobs, and try to do those same things 5 percent better. Have an attitude that is 5 percent better than that of others. Apply the same principle to motivation, communication—you name it. Just be 5 percent better than the best employee doing your job.

Smart Rules Apply to All Areas

Of course, Lloyd’s Wright’s Rule of 5 doesn’t just apply to new employees and young professionals. Leaders—even seasoned leaders—can put this advice to work, too. Be 5 percent better than your best competitor. Spend 5 to 10 minutes each day talking about your vision, values and goals. Routinely take 5 minutes to affirm someone doing something positive in your organization. Challenge your leadership team to spend 5 to 10 minutes each day (or at least a few times a week) and come up with significant, and maybe even disruptive, ways to work, approach the market and handle difficult situations.

While Wright’s Rule of 5 is simple, it’s also powerful if you apply it consistently and then stick with it. In this day and age of distractions and near-constant interruptions, even small changes to how you work can have dramatic results.

This is good advice. This is how you do what you do better. Consider sharing it.

Join my friend Lloyd whose generosity toward his grandson—mentoring him and giving him sound advice—is encouraging a bright future for that lucky young man.