This definition sometimes seems to follow the old joke about two lawyers pursued by a bear in the woods. One lawyer says to the other,
“We’ll never be able to outrun that bear,” and the other replies, “I don’t have to outrun that bear; I just have to outrun you.”
This model often results in shortsighted, narrow conceptions of managerial purpose. It can be valuable to suggest an alternative model for competitiveness, based upon overall and long-term excellence, rather than merely “outrunning” the competition. This conception can also allow for consideration of how we achieve results, as well as whether we do so.
What pattern of reasoning or lever is being used?