How To Drive Exceptional Performance With Exceptions

Building a high performing team requires granting exceptions. Being a high performers means asking for exceptions. Here's how to do both well.

I attended a large portion of elementary school in China before the 2000s, where strict rules controlled every aspect of daily life. I often wanted to be the exception in the classroom. Could we do gym class indoors when it was raining? Could we leave if everyone finished the state-wide exam 30 minutes early? Could I read quietly in the corner instead o…