In the third episode of this year’s Hard Knocks series, New York Jets head coach Robert Selah identified the four levels of competitors which exist in every organization.
What I appreciate about his levels is he clearly communicates the characteristics of each. By providing such clarity, Coach Selah also provides the framework needed to go to the next level.
The following are Coach Selah’s four levels of competitors in every organization along with his heavily-edited comments to remove offensive language.
The 4 Levels Of Competitors
Coach Selah said, “These four levels represent a mindset that we all have complete control over. External factors like playing ability and injuries have no bearing on which level we stand. You’ve got Commanders. You’ve got Competitors. You’ve got Contenders, and you’ve got Survivors.”
“I promise you, everyone in this room falls into one of these categories.”
Survivors
Coach Selah begins, “At the bottom, are your Survivors. A Survivor is someone who does just enough to get by. He coasts through his day and does not maximize his mental capabilities. This group loves taking the easy way out. They love it, and they are so miserable that they will do everything they can to bring you along with them. The sad part is, every organization has at least one, and I promise you, you can’t hide.”
Contenders
Coach Selah continues, “The next level of competitor is a group of Contenders. A Contender is someone who is motivated by external factors like playing time, money, fame, or the person he is going against. He will only reach his potential if the external motivators are threatened.”
Competitors
Coach Selah then goes to another level, “The third level, is the one we seek, is a group of Competitors. A Competitor is someone who is internally motivated to be his best regardless, regardless of the situation. His place on the depth chart does not matter. Money does not matter. Fame does not matter. He is always trying to absolutely be his best. He can’t be swayed because he is already maxing out his potential. This dude is trying to PR every day of life. He’s got a championship mindset. When you have a championship mindset, you embarrass the (poor-performing) ones and you make the great ones look normal.”
Commander
Coach Selah concludes with the highest level, “The final one is the Commander. He basically has all the traits of a Competitor, with one exception. He brings people with him.”
Conclusion
Saleh then asks his team, “Which one are you? You can’t hide who you are.”
So I ask you the same question, are you a Survivor, Contender, Competitor, or Commander? You can’t hide who you are.
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