Competitiveness Quote by Clayton M. Christensen
““Core competence, as it is used by many managers, is a dangerously inward-looking notion. Competitiveness is far more about doing what customers value than doing what you think you’re good at. And staying competitive as the basis of competition shifts necessarily requires a willingness and ability to learn new things rather than clinging hopefully to the sources of past glory. The challenge for incumbent companies is to rebuild their ships while at sea, rather than dismantling themselves plank by plank while someone else builds a new, faster boat with what they cast overboard as detritus.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Innovator’s Dilemma (original) and later articles, 1997‑2020
Relying on existing strengths can blind firms to customer needs; continuous learning and adaptation are essential for staying competitive.
In simple terms: Don’t cling to past successes; keep learning.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize customer value and new skills.
Themes
innovation
customer focus
learning
competition
Mood
strategic
challenging
Type
business
leadership
When to use this quote
- product development
- market research
- skill training
- strategic pivots
Key Concepts
core competence
strategic renewal
organizational agility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance leveraging strengths with exploring new opportunities?
- What processes help your organization learn quickly?
A Different Perspective
Learning new things can be costly and risky for established firms.
