It has been a pleasure to get to know Horst through a recommendation from Duncan and I was delighted to have him as my guest on the Inspiring Leadership podcast in 2023. He created a culture service that has become a role model for so many other people and started with his work in the Ritz-Carlton and continues today after repeating the feat at the Capella Hotels. He inspired thousands of people to embrace servant leadership and body the core ideal of sheer unadulterated excellence. Whatever your industry, I recommend a book to you for the way that you treat your clients, customers or staff.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do – you want to become the best. You want to win, every time.
In “Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise,” Horst Schulze’s wisdom and insights resonate deeply with anyone seeking to excel in business and leadership. Schulze’s remarkable career as the co-founder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and his role in setting up Capella Hotels provide a backdrop of unparalleled experience that enriches the book’s content.
Horst Schulze’s no-nonsense approach is a refreshing departure from abstract theories and buzzwords. He delivers a pragmatic roadmap to excellence, highlighting the pivotal role of service culture in achieving it. His guidance doesn’t merely inspire; it equips readers with actionable tools and a mindset for unwavering pursuit.
Schulze distills his vast knowledge into five key principles for aspiring leaders:
- Set Clear Expectations: Schulze underscores the importance of precise communication. Inspiring leaders define and communicate clear expectations to their teams, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
- Lead by Example: Schulze believes in leading from the front. Inspiring leaders embody the standards of excellence they expect from their teams, setting the benchmark for dedication, commitment, and exceptional service.
- Empower and Trust Your Team: Empowering and trusting your team is paramount. Schulze advocates for granting autonomy and trust to team members, enabling them to make decisions and take ownership, which fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.
- Prioritise Exceptional Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is a non-negotiable in Schulze’s philosophy. Leaders should instil a deep commitment to outstanding service within their organisations, recognising that it is the lifeblood of any successful enterprise.
- Cultivate a Culture of Excellence: Schulze’s relentless focus on creating a culture of excellence is a central theme. Inspiring leaders tirelessly work to establish and maintain an environment where excellence is not just encouraged but expected in every facet of the organisation.
In a world where compromise often seems inevitable, “Excellence Wins” serves as a beacon of inspiration and practical guidance. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned entrepreneur, or an individual looking to elevate their professional game, Horst Schulze’s book offers invaluable insights and actionable steps to help you not only pursue greatness but also achieve it.
Horst Schulze knows how to win. In Excellence Wins, Schulze, in his absolute no-nonsense approach, shares the visionary and disruptive principles that have produced immense global successes over the course of his still-prolific 50-year career.
As the co-founder and former president of Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., Schulze fearlessly led the company to unprecedented multi-billion dollar growth, setting the business vision and people-focused standards that made the Ritz-Carlton brand globally elite.
Schulze’s principles are both versatile and utterly practical to leaders of every age, career stage, and industry. You don’t need a powerful title or a line of direct reports – you have everything you need to use them right now.
If you’re searching for the blueprint to beating the competition and out-performing everyone around you, look no further than Excellence Wins. Schulze pulls no punches as a masterful guide to becoming the very best in a world of routine compromise.