鈥淚f the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.鈥� 鈥� Jack Welch

When I was 12, I competed in a Big Deal regional track meet. Family and friends traveled to watch me run the 100-meter dash. I鈥檇 achieved personal bests and set new school records. I was a lock. I ran faster than I鈥檇 ever done. I reached the end first and began a victory celebration worthy of a Super Bowl touchdown. And then. I watched in horror as my opponents zoomed by me and crossed the finish line, which was about five metres beyond where my race ended.聽Still I cringe.

Never stop running. Don鈥檛 get to comfortable in the lead because someone faster and smarter is coming after you. Hubris sinks ships.

True competitors respect the game, the fans and the other players.

Staying true to your mission, your team and your shareholders bears the responsibility of doing everything in your power to deliver success, growth and value. You must keep a firm grasp of your position at all times, in relation to markets, sentiment and competitors. 聽Your prospects and customers聽know where you stand, do you? Competition is healthy. It鈥檚 what drives us to be better, to win.聽When a rival surges, let it be your reminder to Be Better.

There鈥檚 a lot at stake and failure means more than an embarrassing anecdote to tell at dinner parties. Tell us about your own #klueless moments.