Raise the Bar: The Leadership Principle That Pushes Us to Be Better!

What do baristas and high performing teams have in common? As it turns out, a lot!

That’s how Wafaey (Ahmed Wafaey, Senior Director of Commercial Product) kicked us off at the Raise the Bar Spotlight Session.

Coffee, he said, hasn’t changed. The beans are the same, the process is the same. But great baristas ask one simple, powerful question: How can I make this just a little bit better? How can it taste better, look better, feel better? 

That’s what it means to Raise the Bar! Not reinventing the wheel, but improving every step with care, curiosity, and purpose.It’s a mindset. It’s a practice. It’s how we grow.

What Does It Mean to Raise the Bar?

CEO, NIklas Östberg hosted a lively discussion with  Raphaela Vergud, Software Engineer I, and Guilherme Dias Simoes, Senior Manager of Product Design, both sharing personal stories of how they put the principles into action.

For Raphaela, Raising the Bar is a day-to-day decision. She asks herself: What did I do yesterday that I can improve today? Even the small tasks matter. She doesn’t wait for big, career defining moments. She finds ways to Raise the Bar in the little things, to support her team, or to simply work smarter.

Guilherme reminded us that you can’t Raise the Bar if you don’t know what or where the bar is, and explained how he finds inspiration outside the company:

• Who’s doing this really well?
• What can I learn from other industries?
• How are top designers thinking today?

Mindset Shift: Feedback is Key! 

One theme came up continuously: feedback is key! You can’t Raise the Bar without it. You can’t hire or develop the best without it either.

Raphaela made a key point: “Feedback works best when you check your ego at the door.”

When managers give you feedback, it’s not to tear you down, it’s to help you step up. It’s not personal, it’s purposeful. The sooner you put it into practice, the sooner you grow.

Guilherme shared details about his own journey: Starting as a new manager, he sometimes struggled with imposter syndrome. But by challenging his team, asking them to improve processes, and pushing for better outcomes, he discovered that everyone has more reach than they think.

When people feel safe to make mistakes, that’s when they really Raise the Bar. Guilherme stressed that as leaders, we must create that safety. Feedback and vulnerability go hand in hand with this Leadership Principle. 

It’s Not About Perfection

One powerful takeaway came from Raphaela: “Raising the Bar doesn’t mean showing up perfect today.”

Perfectionism can actually hold you back, it makes people afraid to deliver or take risks. Raising the Bar is about continuous improvement, not flawless execution.

How You Can Raise the Bar Right Now

Wafaey wrapped up the session with a practical breakdown:

• Set a High Bar (Don’t just get it done!) Raising the Bar starts with asking, is this the best we can do. Challenge yourself and your team to go beyond “Ok.” Whether you’re working on a process, a product, or a project, look for ways to improve, even if it’s just a small step forward. High standards are built in the details.
• Build and Develop High Performing Teams: It’s not just about hiring great people, it’s about helping them grow. Support your teammates by creating an environment where they can safely make mistakes, ask questions, and go beyond their comfort zones. As leaders, it’s our job to provide growth opportunities, coach for success, and model what “Raising the Bar” looks like every day.
• Make Feedback Part of the Culture: Feedback is how we spot opportunities to improve and keep raising standards. Give feedback often, don’t wait for formal reviews. And just as importantly, ask for it!