“I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.”
It seems to me with the numerous business leaders I've talked to through the years, and those that want to be business leaders, some of those with the most difficult time becoming great at what they do are those that try to jump over 7-foot bars - as Buffett calls them.
Many in leadership try to show they've got what it takes, so instead of progessively doing little things great over a period of time, they attempt to hit the home run all the time, which only can happen occasionally. And if you're not a home run hitter, it may not happen at all.
Leadership that takes care of the little things day after day are those that are really successful and provide the types of results customers and companies are 
looking for.
The reason why it seems so valuable to do something outrageously great all at once is because it provides good press to those that want to write or talk about a captivating story. And we all like to hear about them as well.
But for the real world and normal people, they do just as great things as those that jump over 7-foot bars, but they aren't seen as such because it's done consistently and persistently over time. It doesn't necessarily lend itself to being talked about because it doesn't offer that temporary boost that results from the big story.
For ourselves and those we train in management, it's better to pick from those that understand the importance of 1-foot bars than it is to get those that are always trying to jump over a 7-foot one.
While a quick surge can make things look healthy, it can never last. Gradual, persistent accomplishment will do more to build a great lasting company than an occasional big hit.
That's why Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) have done so great over such a long period of time.
Other Buffett Sources:
10 Secrets Hidden in Warren Buffett's Wallet
The Warren Buffett You Don't Know
Warren Buffet-Strategic Planning
Some practical advice from investment guru Warren Buffett
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