Jeffrey Gallups

After learning about Dr. Jeffrey Gallups’ impressive background, I asked for his support with our nonprofit. I told him about my work in creating a curriculum that would help people reach a higher potential. He instantly agreed to help, and told me his full story.

As a young boy, he made a decision to devote his life to serving others as a medical doctor. That early vision guided his decisions, motivating him to study hard through school. Eventually, he earned his way into top universities, then advanced to medical school. After earning his MD, Dr. Gallups pursued additional training to become an otolaryngologist—commonly known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. Wanting to be the best in the world at what he does, he continued his education and became a plastic surgeon as well.

He volunteered hundreds of hours to share his story. Together, we recorded a series of videos and created a workbook, distributing our lessons to more than one million people in jails and prisons.

People who live in struggle sometimes need hope. I strive to serve as an ambassador of that hope. If they see that I collaborate with influential people, it might inspire them to believe that they, too, can find mentors and allies to help them through tough times.

Beyond becoming a successful physician and surgeon, Jeff also built one of the nation’s most successful medical clinics, with facilities in multiple locations. We both understood that people in crisis aren’t likely to invest decades of study to become surgeons. For that reason, we created a course that would help people learn the importance of investing in themselves. To the extent they work to develop skills, they will open more opportunities.

In Jeff’s curriculum, we spoke about the way he worked to train his team. During a stay at a Ritz-Carlton resort, he became impressed with the hotel’s Gold Standards—a set of principles used to keep staff moving in the same positive direction. Inspired by those standards, Jeff adapted them, calling his version:

Core Principles for Exceptional Team Performance

1. A Mission of Excellence:
   Always strive to deliver a superior product or service while fostering trust and loyalty among clients and team members.
2. Respect and Courtesy Motto:
   “We are professionals serving professionals,” emphasizing mutual respect and dignity in all interactions.
3. The Three Steps of Service:
   1. Start with a warm, sincere greeting: Personalize interactions by addressing people by name when possible.
   2. Anticipate and fulfill needs: Be proactive in identifying and addressing challenges before they arise.
   3. End with appreciation and a warm farewell: Show gratitude for contributions and leave a lasting, positive impression.
4. 20 Daily Basics for Success:
   1. Be presentable and professional: Dress and act in a manner that reflects the company’s values.
   2. Communicate effectively: Listen attentively and ensure clarity in all exchanges.
   3. Be proactive: Solve problems before they become issues.
   4. Own the outcome: Take responsibility for your role and its impact on the team or client.
   5. Support the team: Be a dependable and collaborative teammate.
   6. Deliver excellence consistently: Ensure quality in every task, every time.
   7. Handle complaints with care: Listen, empathize, and resolve issues swiftly.
   8. Maintain a clean and organized workspace: A tidy environment promotes productivity.
   9. Be a role model: Lead by example and inspire others to follow suit.
   10. Know your goals: Stay aligned with personal and organizational objectives.
   11. Stay curious and informed: Keep learning to stay ahead in your field.
   12. Prioritize the client’s perspective: Think like the end-user to meet their expectations.
   13. Celebrate successes: Recognize and reward contributions, big or small.
   14. Focus on innovation: Encourage creativity and improvement in processes.
   15. Be approachable: Foster open communication and trust.
   16. Keep promises: Ensure your word aligns with your actions.
   17. Show gratitude: Regularly express appreciation to colleagues and clients.
   18. Be adaptable: Embrace change with a positive attitude.
   19. Live the company values: Embody the principles that define your team or organization.
   20. Conclude with excellence: Ensure every project or interaction ends positively and professionally.
5. A Commitment to the Team’s Success:
   Create a work environment where team members are valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
6. Continuous Improvement Ritual:
   Hold daily or weekly team discussions to review one principle, ensuring a consistent focus on values and service.

Jeff helped me design and incorporate these principles into a curriculum that teaches others how to grow in ways that lead to more opportunities. His genuine desire to serve and uplift people, even those facing the biggest obstacles in life, serves as a source of encouragement. By embracing Dr. Gallups’s outlook and making these principles our own, any one of us can reach higher—regardless of the crisis we may be going through today.

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