In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, it’s an unavoidable reality that everything you desire—be it for your organization, your career, or your personal life—is within the control of someone else.

Whether it’s landing a coveted job, sealing a business deal, or achieving personal goals, someone else holds the key. This makes the pursuit of distinction not merely a lofty ideal but a practical necessity.

As I’ve written extensively, my research and experience clearly show that creating distinction is your golden ticket to ensuring you’re the choice that stands out.

In a study published in the Harvard Business Review, researchers found that companies with a distinctive brand message were twice as likely to attract consumer attention compared to those with generic messaging. This distinctiveness cuts through the noise and positions your company as the go-to source in its industry.

Similarly, a LinkedIn study reveals that recruiters spend an average of just seven seconds reviewing a resume. In those crucial moments, resumes that showcased distinctive skills and experiences were more likely to be.

For organizations, creating distinction often starts with a unique value proposition. According to a study by Bain & Company, companies with a strong value proposition experienced 4-8% higher revenue growth compared to their counterparts. But distinction doesn’t end there. Emphasizing a culture of innovation, providing exceptional customer service, or adopting sustainability practices can also set companies apart.

On the individual front, professionals who continually invest in skill development are more likely to stand out. A survey by PwC indicates that 74% of CEOs are concerned about the availability of key skills among employees. By homing in on these ‘gap’ skills – the “life skills” taught at High Point University that I’ve spoken and written about — one significantly boosts their chances of being indispensable to an organization.

Having a distinctive profile—whether as an organization or as an individual—adds a layer of resilience during tough times. For instance, research shows that during economic downturns, companies with strong brand equity recover nine times faster than their generic competitors.

Moreover, distinction paves the way for sustainable growth. The Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that 81% of consumers must be able to trust a brand to do what is right before making a purchase. (I’ll be a featured speaker at the Trusted Leader Summit in early November. As my friend, David Horsager, CEO of TrustEdge says, “Your biggest expense as an organization is a lack of trust.” For registration information, go to: https://trustedge.com/summit/ )

Distinction is the lever you can pull to swing doors wide open in your favor. By offering something uniquely valuable and continuously striving for excellence, you tilt the odds in your direction.

And in a world where someone else holds the key to what you desire, distinction ensures that you are too good to be overlooked.