a leader always leads

While in the doctor's office last week I was plesantly distracted by a back issue of Bloomberg Businessweek from December 2009.

Circuit City was the number two consumer electronics retailer in North America. After bankruptcy filings, and a valiant struggle to stay afloat, all stores of the one-time giant closed in March 2009.

What's interesting was the reaction by number one retailer Best Buy. Instead of let up and relax, CEO Brian Dunn pushed the company in the direction of experimental growth. By the end of 2009 Best Buy had launched a number if new initiatives in stores nationwide- selling electric vehicles, putting an emphasis on wireless mobile devices, moving into the digital reader market, and offering personal health devices such as blood pressure monitors. Beginning this year many companies whose products are sold in Besy Buy stores will have commercials run in-store on floor model television sets, computer screens, and even on Besy Buy radio.

This response to the demise of it's closest number two is a reminder that a leader never sleeps and diligence to being ahead of the curve is what makes number one.