"Best in" or "Best for"?

Jesus sat down and summoned the Twelve. "So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all."
—Mark 9:35

Math, spelling, track, basketball, SAT standing, college, beauty pageants, playoffs, salary, wealth…all areas you were encouraged to be the “Best in”. Add to it measures of corporate success like market share, ROI, or measures of position or power as in your title, rank of wealth and being “Best in” becomes more than a passing interest.

If you are not the “Best in”, taking  first place, you know that second place is considered as the “first loser”!
In many aspects of our western culture, the axiom “eat or be eaten” is the order of the day.

So, let’s see how well you remember those of the past year who were “Best in”.

Name:

• The two wealthiest people in the world.
• The last two Heisman trophy winners.
• The last two winners of the Miss America pageant.
• Five people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
• Five winners of the recent Grammy Awards.
• The last five World Series Winners.

How did you do? Pretty quickly forgotten aren’t they? Yesterday’s news…out of sight, out of mind! Being “Best in” is all about performance, and success.

Now, let’s see how you do in recalling the names of people who focused on being the “Best for” not just “Best in”.

Name:
• Two teachers who made a difference for you in school.
• Three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
• Five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
• Three people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
• Five people you enjoy spending time with.

What a difference! Striving to be the “Best for” is all about relationship and trust. Its impact is remembered for a life time. You don’t forget those who have touched your life!

How about your role as a care giver: nurse, respiratory, nutrition, finance, HR, environmental services, transporter…is it all about being “Best in” or can it more importantly be “Best in” AND “Best for”? It means doing your best work all the time and being the best you can by taking time to listen, to explain, to bring hope and to build trust with those in your care.