Good Morning Enlightened Managers,
One of the things I haven't talked about too much on this blog is the idea of competition in the management ranks. Certainly there are some unhealthy aspects to competition, such as back stabbing, game playing, and behavior that makes people seem more shark than human.
But what about healthy competition? It's everywhere. You will compete for promotions, for resources, and for time. There is nothing wrong with being competitive, unless you are resorting to the kind of underhanded tricks that compromise your values and long term effectiveness.
At the root of competition is the idea of being "better" than others. While I reject the idea I am "better" than my peers as a human being, I can certainly strive to have skills, victories, and talents that put me above my peers, and so can you.
So how competitive should you be? Here is my suggestion:
1. When it comes to sheer "performance" strive to exceed the 80th percentile. This means that you are consistently in the top 20% when it comes to performance reviews and how you stack up against your peers.
2. Don't waste your time trying to get above the 80% mark. Have you ever noticed how the world is full of CEOs who were never 4.0 (A) students in school? Perfect performance is rarely an indicator of career success.
3. Once you are in the top 20% of performers at your level, spend your time innovating. Focus in areas where your competition doesn't, try new things, and look for new ways to make a difference in the company.
The trouble with most standards of performance is that they measure the status quo, not true excellence or innovation. If you want to get ahead compared to your peers, don't strive for academic performance. Strike out and create something new. Use 80% of your energy meeting standards, and 20% of your energy to blaze a new path.
That's my version of the 80/20 rule anyway. Let's get competitive!
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