When one is a member of an organization, he or she soon realizes that seldom does everything done to achieve that organization’s goals go according to plan. Sometime this is the result of outside forces–things that members of the organization have no control over. Many other mishaps are the result of mistakes made by members of the organization. In all but the rarest of organizations mistakes are a fact of life–phone calls someone forgot to return, incorrect items shipped, data entered incorrectly, etc.

Sometimes these mistakes create minor nuisances, but sometimes the effects of certain mistakes can put into jeopardy the ability to achieve the organizations goals. These are the moments when members of the organization that have to deal directly with cleaning up the mess must put forth exceptional effort to overcome it. This individual will, however, most likely have to rely on the help of other members of the organization to achieve this. Here is where those members have a chance to shine.

I call those who shine given these opportunities MVPs. The principles of teamwork apply perfectly. These MVPs earn this moniker by reacting calmly in crisis, by developing creative solutions, by cutting through red tape, by sacrificing their time.

In a sea of mediocrity and underachievment, those who shine deserve recognition, most of all from those who benefit from their dedication and ability. Kudos to the MVPs that have helped me out of jams.