Mediocrity is Contagious
Why Your Circle Defines Your Potential
French Social Psychologist Gustave Le Bon once said, “Ideas, sentiments, emotions, and beliefs possess in crowds a contagious power as intense as that of microbes.” His words capture a profound truth: the people we surround ourselves with influence us deeply—whether we realize it or not. Excellence and mediocrity are contagious forces, shaping our behaviors, standards, and ultimately, our results.
This principle holds in every realm of life but is particularly evident in high-stakes environments. Take February 2021, when legendary football coach Nick Saban addressed his Alabama Crimson Tide. Fresh off a flawless 13-0 season and another national championship victory, most coaches might have basked in the glow of success. Not Saban. He saw a lurking danger: complacency.
In a now-famous speech, Saban warned his team:
"Mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers don’t like mediocre people. If everybody doesn’t buy into the same principles and values of the organization at the same high standard, you’re never going to be successful."
For Saban, mediocrity wasn’t just an individual shortfall—it was an infectious toxin that could derail even the most talented teams. His antidote? Curate the environment. Get the right people on the bus, put them in the right seats, and get the wrong people off the bus.
This philosophy transcends football. Whether in business, sports, or the arts, the people around us either elevate us—or pull us down.
Kobe Bryant: Setting Relentless Standards
Kobe Bryant once declared, “I can’t relate to lazy people. We don’t speak the same language.” His obsession with excellence was not just a personal mantra; it was a challenge to everyone around him. Teammates who slacked were invited—at 5 a.m.—to join Kobe’s grueling workouts. His message was clear: mediocrity wasn’t welcome. By embodying the relentless pursuit of greatness, Kobe demanded—and inspired—higher standards from those around him.
Steve Jobs: Only "A Players" Allowed
Steve Jobs famously built Apple by hiring only “A players,” believing that mediocrity was a drain on innovation. “Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected,” he remarked. Jobs was unapologetic about his high standards, understanding that one weak link could dilute the energy and focus of his high-performing team.
Prince: The Perfectionist Genius
In music, Prince exemplified this principle, expecting everyone in his orbit to meet his exacting standards. His collaborators often described the pressure of working with him—not because he was harsh, but because his relentless dedication demanded their best. Prince understood that greatness could only emerge from an environment where excellence wasn’t just encouraged—it was non-negotiable.
How to Build Your Own Circle of Excellence
If we continue to aspire to have the largest impact possible in our organizations and in our careers, we have to be intentional about the people in our orbit.
1. Curate Your Environment
Seek out teams, communities, and mentors that challenge and inspire you. Growth happens at the edges of your comfort zone, and the right people will push you there.
2. Be the Standard Bearer
Like Saban, Kobe, or Prince, you must model the excellence you expect. When you lead by example, you naturally attract those who share your standards and repel those who don’t.
3. Challenge Complacency
Mediocrity thrives in silence. Speak up when you see standards slipping—whether it’s a teammate, a peer, or even yourself. Excellence is contagious, but so is mediocrity. Be the antidote.
4. Set Clear Expectations
High-achieving teams thrive on clarity. Define what success looks like and ensure everyone is aligned. As Steve Jobs showed, a shared vision of excellence unites and amplifies talent.
5. Be Open to Growth
Surround yourself with people who are better than you in certain areas. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to learn from others. Iron sharpens iron.
Greatness is not a solo journey; it’s built in the company of like-minded individuals who hold themselves—and you—to a higher standard. Whether it’s a football team, a corporate boardroom, or a creative collaboration, the principle is the same: your circle defines your trajectory.
As Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant, and Steve Jobs understood, if you want to achieve extraordinary things, you cannot tolerate mediocrity in yourself—or in others.
Are the people around you elevating your game or dragging you down?
Good luck out there.
Patrick