it’s easy to look at other organizations that are doing things differently, bucking the trends, and challenging the status quo with their people strategy and say, “i’m not concerned about what they’re doing; they’re not our direct competitor.”

the problem with this line of thinking is that while they may not be in the same marketplace as you, both of your organizations are fighting for the same talent pool. that innovative company you dismiss as not being a competitor needs mathematicians, statisticians, business analysts, computer programmers, data architects (i could keep going…) the same way your organization does.

if they’re trying new and different things and having success in the process while you’re still defending the same management practices from 20 years ago, it’s time for you to start taking notice.

“they’re not our direct competitor.”

think again.