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Like diamonds formed under pressure, leaders and organizations thrive when challenged—competition and tough times forge resilience, innovation, and lasting value.
I’m a native Floridian, and although I have traveled extensively—visiting all fifty states and over 110 countries—I have never lived outside our beautiful state. So, what Floridians are experiencing now in Tallahassee feels both new and fascinating to me.
Politically, Florida is a solid red state—meaning deeply Republican. Yet this was not always the case. I remember when Florida shifted from solid blue, to purple, then pink, before becoming red. Today, Republicans hold a historic supermajority in the state legislature, and the Governor’s office is Republican as well. You might think that such dominance would lead to smooth governance, but my recent experiences attending separate meetings with our House Speaker and Governor proved otherwise. Despite being good people, the absence of a strong political opposition—or any real competition—has led them to turn on each other. It’s a reminder that competition is essential, even among allies.
This political example mirrors a broader truth across industries and organizations. Without strong competition, complacency often creeps in, and innovation stalls. History is littered with market leaders who lost their way in the absence of challenge: Myspace, Kodak, BlackBerry, Blockbuster, Internet Explorer, and Nokia. These brands were once dominant and richly resourced, yet failed to evolve and innovate—despite having the talent and means to do so—because they did not feel the pressure to compete.
Competition, though sometimes uncomfortable, is incredibly beneficial. It drives organizations to innovate, develop new products, improve customer service, and boost operational efficiency. Contrary to popular belief, competition does not always lower prices. In the recreational boating industry, for example, intense competition has actually increased prices—but in a positive way—because it fuels the addition of new features and benefits that enhance the boating experience. Over the last two decades, these innovations have dramatically advanced recreational boating, all spurred by fierce competition.
The lessons from competition align closely with how tough times shape us personally and professionally. Over my 40-year career, I’ve led organizations through recessions, market disruptions, and crises—from the early 1990s recession to the dotcom bust, 9/11, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In every case, the challenges tested us severely but ultimately seeded our greatest growth. Without those struggles, the successes that followed might never have materialized.
This is much like how diamonds form—under extreme pressure. Diamonds symbolize strength, resilience, and enduring value, all forged by intense conditions. Leaders, too, become more valuable and capable when they endure pressure and adversity.
So, if competition and hardship are so vital, who should be most concerned? Here are three groups who need to pay close attention:
Market Dominators: Companies at the top often fall prey to complacency. Kodak invented the digital camera but went bankrupt because it failed to capitalize on its innovation. Blockbuster could have bought Netflix for pennies but underestimated the threat. Dominant market players must never assume invincibility.
Young Leaders: While young leaders bring energy and fresh ideas, they often lack the experience of leading through crises. Tough times teach humility, resilience, and strategic thinking—qualities essential for great leadership. Young leaders should value the lessons and mentorship of seasoned colleagues.
Those Who Always Succeed: If everything you touch always goes well, beware. Without facing setbacks or challenges, leaders may become prideful and less adaptable. Humility, born from adversity, is a critical ingredient for sustained success.
It is ironic that the experiences we try hardest to avoid—the pressure, competition, and hardship—are often the ones that make us stronger and better. While pain and struggle are difficult, the best leaders see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
So whether you face fierce competition or tough times, remember to be like a diamond. Embrace the pressure, allow it to refine you, and come out more valuable and resilient on the other side. The rewards of this mindset are immense, both personally and professionally.
