by Dan Gathof
Settle: to accept or agree to something that one considers to be less than satisfactory.
Settling is one of those words many of us choose to avoid. It’s the proverbial monster under the bed, the name that must not be spoken in Harry Potter, and the emperor wearing nothing at all. Often, it’s easier to turn a blind eye than face the uncomfortable truth that we might be compromising our dreams or values. We convince ourselves that everything is fine, that we’re content with our choices, all while a nagging sense of dissatisfaction lurks beneath the surface.
I’ve certainly fallen into the trap of settling over the years. Sometimes, it sneaks in as a gradual acceptance of my own laziness. For instance, when I look in the mirror and think, “In the 1600s, my physique would have been the hallmark of prosperity and wealth,” as if historical context somehow justifies my lack of effort and exercise. Similarly, I might tell myself the weeds in my yard add a nice contrast to the plants. But the worst form of settling comes when I think, “I’m doing okay compared to others in my profession.” In those moments, I’m not just settling—I’m actively denying my potential for growth and fulfillment.
Years ago, as an executive recruiter, I faced a dilemma: how do I communicate progress to my clients in weekly status meetings when my results were fairly dismal? As with recruiting, some weeks were highly successful in terms of candidate response and interest. Other weeks, results were minimal. The variation had little to do with effort—working with humans can be highly unpredictable.
If I communicated poor results, I risked “passive-aggressive” or “aggressive-aggressive” comments from the client. They might suggest I wasn’t working hard enough, that they chose the wrong search firm, or that I didn’t grasp the importance and urgency of filling the position. In those moments, I was Ali against Foreman, absorbing blows while pinned on the ropes.
My other option was to show “progress” by presenting whatever candidates I had on hand, even if I knew they weren’t the right fit for the client’s needs.
I ultimately decided to settle. I provided less-than-ideal candidates to demonstrate progress because I preferred that over being criticized. And, since most search firms operated the same way, I felt comfortable with my choice.
But I hated how I felt before and after those status calls, knowing I wasn’t offering my best. I knew I’d eventually find the right candidates, but my approach felt wrong. I was settling, and in doing so, I wasn’t being my best.
In Good to Great, Jim Collins introduced the Hedgehog Concept, which centers on focusing on what a company (or individual) can be the best in the world at. It stems from the ancient Greek parable by Archilochus: “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”
In the story, the fox is crafty and clever, always thinking of new ways to catch the hedgehog. It tries different tricks, but despite the fox’s cunning, the hedgehog defends itself the same way every time—by rolling into a spiky ball. The hedgehog’s simple defense proves more effective than the fox’s many complex strategies.
The moral is that true greatness comes from simplicity and focus, not complexity and trying to do everything.
To expand on this, Collins outlines three intersecting circles to help define focus:
Passion: What the company (or individual) is deeply passionate about.
Best At: What the company (or individual) can be the best in the world at.
Economic Engine: What drives the company’s (or individual’s) economic or resource engine.
For individuals, “world” may not mean the global stage. Instead, it can be a specific, impactful slice of an area where one can truly be the best.
My concept of being the best in recruiting centered around integrity, results, and creativity. But my actions—providing sub-optimal candidates just to show progress—violated that integrity. These were not the best I had to offer, and I wasn’t being honest with myself or my clients.
Once I recognized this, I completely changed my approach. I committed to only presenting highly qualified candidates capable of completing the hiring process. I accepted that, at times, I might be pummeled on the ropes, but I was confident that I would ultimately win. Since making that shift I’ve had some challenging status meetings, but I’ve filled every single search with an exceptional candidate.
So, what is your Hedgehog? Where are you settling instead of striving to be the best? Perhaps it’s time to look under the bed, say Voldemort’s name, and acknowledge that the emperor is truly naked.
Hire Thought
If you find yourself accepting “good enough,” you’re not just shortchanging others—you’re selling yourself short. Take a hard look at the areas where you’re compromising, and ask yourself if you’re really offering the best you can give. Remember, the path to greatness isn’t paved with shortcuts—it’s built on focus, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of being your best. Don’t settle for less when you have the potential to be so much more.
Dan Gathof – Partner at Olympia Solutions
Dan has spent most of his career working in recruiting and HR for high-growth companies. In recruiting, Dan is passionate about innovative approaches to connect candidates with companies, and is ultimately concerned with ensuring that success is achieved for all parties. Learn more about Olympia Solutions
