What kind of Warrior are you?

I've come across numerous people that have this idea -- that the only way, or the best way, to succeed in business is to be ruthless. Fight to win the best advantage, rally the troops to gain new ground, smite your competitors and win the consumer dollar.

Although being ruthless *can* have advantages when applied to deal-making and securing a position, I think it's important to remember that such a business approach does have disadvantages too.

For one, those you have been ruthless against you may come up against again, or you might develop a reputation for it, in which case some people may be less likely to deal with you.

Sure, you might argue that a rational businessman wouldn't take into account your reputation when dealing, but would just look at the bottom line -- but the fact is, not everybody is or acts rationally.

But back to the issue at hand -- Is ruthlessness essential in business?

I don't think it is. But I also don't think you have to not be ruthless to succeed, either.

The world of business is an enormous one -- there are a huge amount of business successes out there, and the ways people have succeeded is tremendous.

That being the case, I don't think you can really limit it down and say "this is the only way to do it" -- there are many ways to do it.

If you're not naturally ruthless, and don't feel comfortable being so, then don't! There are many businesspeople who have become successful without being so. Warren Buffett comes to mind.

If you like being ruthless, enjoy the thrill of the kill, and don't have a moral problem with it as many of us would, then be ruthless. Just make sure you're aware of the consequences.

Personally, I choose not to be ruthless in business.

I aim to offer the best to consumers, and if that should harm my competitors, then that's ok. The difference is in the approach -- attempting to screw people over, force people into things, destroy competitors -- acts some would consider ruthless that I wouldn't do much of, if any.

- Thomas. :)

> Do you were a frilly pink skirt and frolic
> along with your wicker basket singing
> "La La La" or are you fit,
> camouflaged, well (but lightly) armed, and
> ready to decisively "do in" every
> opponent who crosses your path? All else
> being equal, the winning businessman is the
> more ruthless.

> - Craig