In a recent article we talked about how our mindset can get in the way of creating a culture of creativity and innovation. Today, we stay on the topic of mindset, and we look at another aspect of our mindset and how we can change it.

A couple of weeks ago, Elon Musk announced the first passenger for SpaceX’s mission to the moon. During the Q&As one of the reporters asked him about the recent announcement by Boeing’s CEO that the first human being would go to Mars in a Boeing rocket.

It seemed like that was the first time Musk had heard of it. What was Musk’s reaction?

Not only were his first words “Game On”, he was invigorated by the competition. You could see his energy level rise , and he suddenly showed much more excitement. It was as if the Boeing announcement made his own plans more real.

You can watch it here. (The video starts at the right location in the session, and the following 40 seconds are well worth watching.)

He clearly saw that competition is good not just for overall innovation, but for each company. He knows it will also make his company better. Notice the reaction of the crowd. They’re on board. They’re inspired. They too know it will make them better.

How do you feel about competition? Is your mindset that it will make you better? Or do you feel threatened or maybe a little afraid? What if an employee comes to you and tells you, “I want to have your job”? Would that get your energy going ? What if a colleague tried to take on some of your responsibilities? Could you wish this person to do their best, so that you both achieve more?

Not easy to do – but a great way to inspire a culture of creativity and innovation.

 

Take the next step.

 

Pay attention to situations where someone gets onto your turf. How does it make you feel? What’s your reaction? Try to copy Musk and say to yourself — and maybe even say it out loud — “Game On”.