Go first

A business typically gains advantages by being first to market with a product or service.

Being first usually means that you’ve had more time to iterate, improve and refine. As a result, you might be able to sell it at a higher margin or build a loyal fan-base faster than your competition.

I got thinking about first mover advantages this weekend after saving this quote from Gabby Reece:

I always say that I’ll go first…

That means if I’m checking out at the store, I’ll say hello first.

If I’m coming across somebody and make eye contact, I’ll smile first.

[I wish] people would experiment with that in their life a little bit. Be first, because – not all times, but most times – it comes in your favor.

Gabby Reese

She seems to believe that there are first mover advantages to be gained in our personal lives as well. And I suspect she’s right.

So I asked myself:

• What would happen if I made an effort to be the first to call an old friend?
• The first to volunteer for a weekend event at my church?
• Or the first to apologize in an argument with my spouse?

The answers to these hypothetical questions are pretty obvious. I’d build stronger relationships, have more fun, and have a greater positive impact within my circle of influence.

So why don’t I go first more often?

Because going first is risky.

There’s a chance that I could fail, look foolish, or make an embarrassing mistake.

It’s much more comfortable to hang back and wait until someone else has tested the waters first.

But leadership isn’t about being comfortable, is it?

Ask yourself, “What do I have to lose if I go first?” 

In business, the consequences of a failed new product launch can be severe. For this reason, some companies, like Apple, rarely take the first mover approach. For example, the recently announced iPhone 12 with new 5G technology comes six months on the heels of Samsung’s Galaxy S10.

But the risk of going first in our personal lives is rarely as costly.

The price is usually ego, not market share. 

The world could use more leaders who are willing to go first.

We need more people who aren’t afraid to take the initiative and set a good example. 

Bold leaders who do what’s right regardless of what others will say about them.

So try to be the kind of leader who goes first this week.

There are advantages to be had if you can muster the courage.