Many years ago, “Bum” Phillips was asked who he thought the greatest football coach was.

Without any hesitation, he said Bear Bryant.

Why?

Because “he can take his’n and beat your’n and take your’n and beat his’n.”

His response offers an invaluable lesson for all business leaders.

With all due respect to the importance of winning the so-called “war for talent,” and to the importance of nourishing personal growth and professional development, the greatest business leaders are those whose organizations achieve extraordinary results with ordinary people.

Chances are, if the top two companies in any industry segment were to swap their C-level executives, the rankings would be reversed within a year or two.

What does that tell you?