We grew up with a myth.
The myth says: Work hard to be “better.”
Better than everyone else. Better than the other students in our classroom.
In your career, be better than the competition… because that’s how to be the best.
I’d like to end this myth right here. Your competitive advantage is NOT the way in which you are incrementally better than the competition.
"Better" is not better. It's worse. "Better" keeps you chained to the same way of working as your competition.
Being better is temporary. It’s a flimsy advantage that can be toppled in a millisecond by someone with a bigger following.
Or a lower price.
Or a more convenient location.
Or a shinier award.
Or a newer technology.
Or a fancier degree.
Better keeps you chained to the same old way of working as your competition.
I propose that it’s not enough to be the best.
In any oversaturated environment, it doesn’t matter how wonderful you are and how much you have to offer. If your message fails to fascinate, you've failed. You’ve lost the sale before you’ve even had a chance to start a connection.
Being the best isn’t enough, if nobody notices or cares.
It’s not enough to manufacture the best product if nobody buys them.
It’s not enough to be the most worthy politician if nobody votes for you.
It’s not enough to be the best leader if nobody follows you.
You could have THE world-changing idea, one that will alter the course of mankind, but that idea will wither if nobody knows about it.
People will just move on to the next product, the next employee, the next conversation.
The best idea can’t win, just like the best person can’t win, if they fail to earn any attention in the first place.
If you can identify your personality’s advantage, and harness it, and apply it, you will not only achieve THE best, but also YOUR best.
The good news is, you can compete. You can be the best in a competitive environment— if you use your natural personality advantages to attract the attention you need to succeed.
What makes you different? (Remember, different is better!) Share with us in the comments, below.
What a difference
Better than everyone else. Better than the other students in our classroom.
When I came up as "Provocateur" I was a little repulsed because a controversy-stirring show touts their being the most provocative. Then it grew on me. Then it stuck! I owned the truth of what is fascinating about me. I do stir- but I stir hearts to get passionate again. I discovered that I and others are "Feeling Leaders" to contrast with the well-known concept of thought leaders. I lead from the heart and aim to stir hearts instead of controversy. As a Feeling Leader, I act in a way that is feeling provoking to contrast with the idea of being thought provoking. I am also heart provoking, intuition provoking, love provoking and a compassion champion. You have really got me thinking different, Sally; wait, that isn't right- you've got me feeling different. This is, well... FASCINATING!
This is such a simple but deep concept. I remember starting my writing and feeling totally inadequate for competing with others in my field. They all have PhD s, I'm a stay at home mom with a correspondence course certificate. But they weren't able to speak to the audience I wanted to reach. I learn from the experts and "translate" it for others. Since then people have pointed out how different my thinking is from others. I've grown hugely in my confidence knowing there's plenty of room for me as well as all the rest. Thanks for the encouragement!
Great blog! Better is always a moving target and it the best to be the best to yourself so you are truly authentic and true to yourself so you will shine in your best light!
I agree but life itself is definitely a challenge and sometimes we rise up to it and some folks don't.
Sally, Loved "You" and your "fascination assessment Trendsetter-Avant Garde. Did you authorize the workbook by Shawn W. Roch??
Yow!!
Sally, How true. Better is a relative and best viewed subjectively. Different is different and notable. Different stands out. Different commands attention. Cheers, Marc
Sally - great analysis here - being different allows us to find our niche in the marketplace and to excel. Thanks for sharing!