Execution determines outcome

Every four years, millions of us watch the Olympic figure skating and marvel at the jumps, spins and crazy athleticism of the athletes. But behind the spectacle is a scoring concept that offers a powerful lesson for anyone who performs for a living (on or off the air!): GOE, Grade of Execution. 

In skating, every element has a base value tied to its difficulty. Land a triple jump and you earn those points. Complete a spin and the technical requirement is met. But that’s only part of the story. 

Judges then apply a GOE, scoring each element from +5 to -5, based on how well it’s executed. Height, flow, musical connection, speed, control, and emotional impact all matter. A skater can perform the exact same jump as a competitor, yet earn dramatically different scores because of quality, confidence and connection. 

In other words, difficulty gets you in the game. Execution determines the outcome. 

This distinction is especially relevant for performers and communicators. The “base value” is your content. Did you deliver the information? Did you hit the required talking points? Did you complete the segment? 

But audiences, like judges, are responding to GOE. 

They’re asking: 

• Did it feel authentic? 

• Did it flow effortlessly? 

• Did it connect emotionally? 

• Did it sound confident and purposeful? 

• Did it leave a memorable impression? 

Two shows can deliver identical content, yet one creates impact while the other simply completes the task. The difference is execution. Excellence is often built from subtle details. 

Maybe the biggest lesson GOE teaches is this: Audiences remember how you made them feel more than what you did. Competence earns credibility. But execution creates impact. 

Keep showing up! 

~ Angela