That drive to excel, to be outstanding and to set your business apart from the crowd is something that comes naturally to some people but must be developed in others. So how do you know if your own level of competitiveness is where it should be? How can you tell if you need to rev it up, if you’re just about right, or if you’re overzealous and need to back off a bit?
The answers to these questions will vary depending on a number of factors, but there are a few common signals that will become apparent regardless of where you fall on the competitiveness spectrum.
Not enough competitiveness
People in this category are those who always seem to be struggling and never quite meet their goals. They may be aware of the situation but not know how to remedy it, or they may be blissfully ignorant of their true situation and therefore not even aware that there’s a problem. Here are some common characteristics that may indicate your need to increase your level of competitiveness:
Stagnant growth – Low levels of competitiveness can lead to businesses and careers that seem to stagnate or just stand still. No big changes or challenges, just the same thing day after day. It feels secure in its stability.
Not my fault – People at this level will often say things like “It’s not my fault I didn’t win that bid” or “Those guys must have cheated to get that job”. Wake up and smell the coffee, it’s probably you!
Too hard – A lack of competitiveness often leads to thinking it’s too hard to improve or succeed. There’s not enough time, money, or motivation to do what needs to be done. This is laughable. If you don’t do it there’s no magic fairy that’s going to do it for you.
Level of competitiveness is just right
Some might argue that the minute you think your competitiveness is just right, you become complacent. But I believe if you’re competitiveness level is about right, it doesn’t mean you have stopped trying. Instead you have taken a good look at yourself and have found that the necessary strategies and disciplines are in place and performing well. Here are some common characteristics that may indicate your level of competitiveness is just about right:
Regular evaluation – Regular, consistent evaluation of performance is a sign that competitiveness is at a good level. It allows you to spot trends early so you can address them before they become problems.
Learning and growth – People at this level are constantly seeking ways to learn and grow, either by networking, reading industry and trade manuals, working with a business coach, or benchmarking against other professionals. As well as seeking this information, you also use it. Knowledge alone is worthless if it’s not implemented.
Challenges – If your business or career is filled with challenges that occur on a regular basis and you have mechanisms in place to recognise and overcome those challenges, chances are you’re at this level of competitiveness.
Too much competitiveness
People and businesses in this category generally don’t see themselves as too competitive, but others can often spot them quite easily. This lack of awareness, or simply avoidance of an unpleasant reality, can quickly damage a career or even bankrupt a business if not addressed appropriately. Here are some common characteristics that may indicate your level of competitiveness is too high:
Win at all costs – This attitude is typical when you find yourself willing to do anything to succeed. I don’t mean ‘I want to win at all costs’. This is more like ‘I want to win at all costs even if it’s immoral and breaks all the rules’. Businesses and people in this category may undermine others, practise deception, lie, cheat, or steal to win.
Personal problems – There’s no doubt that being in business requires hard work and long hours, but that doesn’t have to mean you lose sight of the balance between work and personal life. People who have trouble maintaining satisfying personal relationships, never take a vacation, work every weekend, or struggle with depression, anxiety or unhappiness, are often overly competitive and don’t know how or when to back off.
Never enough – People at this level often think they never have enough. This can apply to money, material things, friends, respect, professional accomplishments. They’re so busy competing for more that they never stop to think if they already have enough.
Which one applies to you?
Most people pass in and out of these three categories multiple times in their career. It’s just human nature. My point here is not to hold yourself to the impossible standard of staying at a perfect level 100 per cent of the time. Rather, take a regular inventory of your level of competitiveness and take whatever actions are needed to stay at the level that’s most appropriate for you.
Anne McKevitt is a serial entrepreneur, foremost authority on global commerce and renowned business speaker. She is available for speaking engagements through ICMI. Telephone (03) 9529 3711. www.swellintelligence.com www.annemckevittspeaking.com
<< Top |