Exemplary Performance: The Definitive Guide.
Driving Business Results by Benchmarking Your Star Performers — the methodology, the model, and the case studies that prove it works. Now in its 2nd Edition with expanded case studies.
What If Your Entire Team Performed Like Your Best?
What would it look like if you designed a barrier-free, high-performing work environment and your team's performance curve shifted optimally to the right? What would be the impact if you closed the gap between average performers and star performers by 10, 20, or 30%?
Exemplary Performance provides a proven model for shifting that curve — by replicating the accomplishments of your own star performers. The advantage? It's derived from current performance, so you know it's possible within your structure and culture.
Purchase on AmazonA Complete Framework for Organizational Excellence.
Written by founder Paul H. Elliott, Ph.D., and co-author Al Folsom, this book encapsulates the approach that has dramatically impacted clients' bottom lines across industries.
The Model
The complete Exemplary Performance methodology — from identifying stars to codifying their behaviors into Role Excellence Profiles that define "what great looks like" for any role.
Chapters 1–4The System
How to align the six management levers — hiring, motivation, skills, expectations, rewards, and environment — into one system that reinforces excellence at every turn.
Chapters 5–8The Proof
Expanded real-world case studies from Fortune 500 companies across biopharma, financial services, technology, and more — showing measurable ROI and lasting change.
Chapters 9–12"It truly is built on the shoulders of ISPI giants and extends the legacy of Tom Gilbert and Joe Harless."
— ISPI Board of Directors, 2021 Endorsement
What You'll Walk Away With
Concrete tools and frameworks you can begin applying immediately.
The Performance Curve Model
Learn how to identify, measure, and replicate star performer behaviors — so "what great looks like" is no longer subjective but codified and transferable.
The Six Management Levers
A diagnostic tool for aligning hiring, motivation, skills, expectations, rewards, and environment into one system that reinforces peak performance at every level.
Role Excellence Profiles™
A repeatable template for defining the accomplishments, behaviors, and competencies that distinguish your top performers — applicable to any role in any industry.
Real ROI Benchmarks
Case study data showing $750K+ in annual savings, 30%+ productivity gains, faster onboarding, and increased sales — the evidence you need to build the business case internally.
I was so impacted by the results I experienced that I switched careers to become a performance consultant using the very same model and methods. The results include $750,000 in annual cost savings, streamlined onboarding for new hires, increased sales, and a framework for accelerating new product launches.
Not Another Management Theory Book.
This is a practitioner's field guide built from real engagements with real results.
Typical Business Books
- Theoretical frameworks with no proof of application
- One-size-fits-all advice from outside your industry
- Anecdotes without measurable business outcomes
- Concepts that sound good but never get implemented
Exemplary Performance
- Proven methodology backed by 40+ years and real ROI
- Adapts to your organization's unique culture and people
- Expanded case studies with measurable bottom-line impact
- Step-by-step framework you can begin applying immediately
Ready to Apply the Model to Your Organization?
The book lays the foundation. We bring it to life in your organization.
Exemplary Performance: Driving Business Results by Benchmarking Your Star Performers was co-authored by Paul H. Elliott and Alfred C. Folsom and received the International Society for Performance Improvement's 2014 Award of Excellence. The book remains part of the historical foundation of the company's work. Exemplary Performance, LLC is currently owned and led by Jaime Torchiana.