I’ll take the pursuit of excellence over the pursuit of winning every time.

27 Feb

Earlier this week, I was chatting with someone whose business is pretty similar to mine. Instead of feeling like we were in some weird silent competition, we were just… talking and enjoying learning from each other.

Figuring out where we could help each other and realising how much we both care about helping businesses. And that’s been pretty much my experience with founders in my space. In fact, the best advice I’ve ever received in business has come from people who, on paper, should be my competition.

It reminds me of when I worked in politics. The public sees the arguments and, yes, the never-ending mudslinging…. urgh... that too. But behind the scenes, great things happen every day because politicians choose to focus on shared missions instead of what divides them.

The best politicians are those who actually get things done. And in business, it’s the same. The people who treat everything as a competition might win a battle or land the next contract, but I’ll still be over here choosing collaboration. One, it’s who I am at my core, but I also believe that when you surround yourself with talented people, you get to keep raising your game. And I’ll take the pursuit of excellence over the pursuit of winning every time.

When we shift from “they’re my competitor” to “they just get it,” doors open. I’ve had referrals and really useful conversations with people who could have easily seen me as a threat but instead chose to help.

So, the takeaway…

Well, firstly, I get it. There are some shady people out there. Some will steal ideas and behave badly, but they’re going to do that anyway. Of course, we all need to be mindful of protecting our businesses, but avoiding talking to people in your space out of fear doesn't feel like a winning strategy.

Competition is real, but it doesn’t have to be your focus.

Some of your biggest growth might still yet come from the people you think you’re up against.

After all, business and life are just more fun when you’re not constantly worrying about who’s winning.

Happy weekend all.

Jill