Excellence: A Shared Commitment

Excellence: A Shared Commitment

In their book, In Search of Excellence, Peters and Waterman identify quality and service as two hallmarks of successful organizations. To ensure that the Journal of Extension reflects these characteristics requires the cooperation of all Extension staff.

The Journal's Board of Directors, its editorial staff, and the staff in the business office have continually devoted their efforts to improving the quality of the Journal, keeping Peters and Waterman's advice to be action-oriented foremost in their minds. They've made timely decisions and completed the tasks associated with altering the Journal's image. Recently, for example, the format was changed. We now receive 4 issues a year in a new 8 1/2" by 11" size, allowing us to give our subscribers 30% more content each year. In coming issues, you'll notice other new additions and changes.

The success of the Journal depends on the publication of useful resources for Extension staff and on the way staff members use these resources. In Search of Excellence reminds us to stay close and listen to the customer. The members of the editorial staff are close to the customer, reviewing articles with each of you in mind.

I'm sure the people responsible for the Journal will do their part to produce a useful journal. Will you do your part?

Peters and Waterman refer to psychologist Ernest Becker's theory that people need to be members of a winning team and stars in their own right. The Journal allows you to do both. You can join the team by subscribing to and making use of the Journal as you plan, implement, and evaluate programs, and you can be a star by contributing to the Journal's efforts to provide quality and service. Are you taking advantage of these opportunities?

1. Have you submitted a feature article, your thoughts to the Forum, your successes and failures to the Idea Corner, or your ideas for Tools of the Trade?
2. Do you submit articles that are relevant and address the priority needs of Extension staff? Keep in mind that information published in the Journal must be a useful resource for Extension staff in improving personally and professionally.
3. Have you sent your ideas and suggestions to the editor? Feedback helps the Journal be what you want it to be. Advise us on ways the Journal can be of more value to you.
4. Have you volunteered to serve in a leadership capacity with the Journal? Interested Extension staff members are always needed to serve on the Editorial Committee or as Research in Brief editors.
5. Do you subscribe to the Journal, or do you read someone else's copy? The Journal should be part of your personal library. You can do your part in keeping the Journalalive and well by subscribing.
6. Have you communicated the Journal's potential to those who don't subscribe? You're its best salesperson.
7. Have you made a conscious effort to incorporate ideas contained in the Journal into your day-to-day activities?

Vince Lombardi once said, "The quality of one's life is in direct proportion to one's commitment to excellence." I hope each of you will see the opportunities the Journal can afford you and become committed to its continual striving for excellence. Remember, excellence is a shared commitment.

Patricia Jarboe Buchanan, Editor