Beyond the Best
Why Comparison Can Hold You Back
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel like you need to measure up to the giants of industry—Google, Apple, Amazon, or whoever is trending at the moment. The idea of striving for the top often becomes synonymous with success. But does chasing the best really lead to better leadership? Or does it actually hold us back?
In Episode 6 of Leadership Explored, we dive into the comparison trap—why comparing yourself, your company, or your leadership style to the biggest names in the game can ultimately limit your potential. Let’s explore why focusing on others might just be the fastest way to stagnate.
The Illusion of "The Best"
As human beings, we are naturally inclined to compare. It’s part of how we measure progress, establish norms, and make sense of where we fit in the grand scheme. This instinct is valuable in some contexts, but it can also create unrealistic expectations that hinder growth.
When we look at companies like Google or Apple, we see the end result—the polished, perfected image that they've built over decades. But what we often miss is the context: their journeys, struggles, and environments are unique to them. Their massive success didn’t come overnight, and it certainly didn’t happen because they copied someone else’s playbook.
For most of us, comparing our small startup to a trillion-dollar company doesn’t just miss the mark—it’s counterproductive. The strategies that work for these giants may not even be relevant for your team. Every company has its own set of challenges, culture, and constraints. Instead of trying to replicate their success, focus on solving your own problems in ways that make sense for your unique situation.
The Myth of Top Talent
There’s also a pervasive myth in leadership circles: The best talent is the only way to succeed. Companies often fall into the trap of chasing high-profile hires from industry giants, assuming that these candidates are the magic key to success.
But here’s the truth: just because someone excelled at Google, Apple, or Amazon doesn’t mean they’ll thrive in your organization. The fit is more important than the pedigree. Do they align with your company’s values? Can they thrive in your team culture? These are the critical questions to ask.
It’s also worth considering that "top talent" often comes with high expectations and costs. While they may have experience with scaling massive operations, they may not be equipped to contribute meaningfully in smaller or different environments where flexibility, autonomy, and team cohesion are more crucial than pure technical prowess.
Team Chemistry > Rockstars
While the idea of building a team of rockstars may sound appealing, true success in leadership often comes down to how well the team works together, not just how talented individual members are. As the old adage goes: “There’s no ‘I’ in team.”
Take a look at sports, for example. A legendary player like Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and the rest of the Chicago Bulls to win championships. Alone, he was great. Together, they were unstoppable. Similarly, in the business world, teams that complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses often outperform groups of high-performing individuals who fail to work cohesively.
As leaders, we need to focus on building teams that elevate each other, rather than trying to fit the "best" individual into a system that doesn’t support their strengths.
Shifting from Comparison to Progress
So, what can we do instead of constantly comparing ourselves to others? The answer lies in shifting the focus from benchmarking against the best to measuring our own progress.
Start by asking:
What are the actual problems facing my team?
What are our strengths, and how can we build on them?
How can we create an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute, and grow?
Instead of idolizing the giants, focus on what works for you. Develop leadership strategies that are informed by your specific challenges, your culture, and the unique dynamics of your team. Building something meaningful requires understanding your own context—not someone else’s.
Lead with Purpose
Chasing “the best” can often leave you feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. But when you focus on improving in ways that matter to your team, organization, and personal leadership journey, you’ll start seeing the results that matter—authentic growth, stronger teams, and a leadership style that reflects who you are, not who you’re trying to be.
Thank you for exploring this topic with us. If this post resonated with you, be sure to listen to Episode 6 of the Leadership Explored podcast where Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund go deeper into these ideas and share practical insights for leaders at all levels.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you ever felt caught in the comparison trap? How did you break free and refocus on your own path? Let’s start a conversation in the comments, or reach out to us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for more insightful content on leadership, growth, and the challenges of navigating today’s evolving workplace.