Every couple of months I find myself in the same discussion with a school leadership team or Board who insist, at all costs, on naming their ‘excellence’. Excellence in academics, excellence beyond academics, excellence in a specialist discipline, or just ‘excellence’ - in everything, I have to assume.

I hate the word. It’s a cop-out, an escape route from clarity. It begs more questions than it answers, and puts an unnecessary burden on everyone in the organisation to do the busy work of being excellent - whatever that means and whatever that is.

A lack of clarity creates more work for everyone, on everything. That leads to inefficiencies and frustration, to burnout and despondency. It’s all so common and all so avoidable.

Charles Schulz was the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. His philosophy, outlined here, helps us understand what matters:

Can you name the five wealthiest people in the world?

Or the last five Olympic 100m winners?

What about naming ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. Can you do that?

Or name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress?

What about the last decade's worth of Wimbledon winners, men’s, women’s and doubles competitions?

How did you do? Hmm.

None of us remember all the excellent aces of yesterday. And yet none of them are second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. They are, actually, ‘excellent’.

But eventually the applause dies.

Awards tarnish.

Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Some different questions, and we find ourselves not only answering with ease, but probably enjoying it, too:

List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Think of a three people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

So many schools say they focus on excellence. It’s such an easy way out of saying what they really focus on. The answer to what they really focus on is a good bit messier, confusing and sometimes conflicting.

And that’s why it’s important to take time out, to move beyond some generic idea of ‘excellence’ and start thinking about what matters most to you.