What is "winning too much"?

"Winning too much" refers to a common issue among high achievers where their drive to win permeates all aspects of their life. This behavior is characterized by the desire to be right or successful in every situation, regardless of the importance or relevance. The term was discussed by Shane Parrish who, quoting Marshall Goldsmith, suggested that even in trivial, meaningless, or inconsequential situations, a person who tends to "win too much" always seeks to come out on top. Goldsmith highlighted that this urge to win can be detrimental, especially when transitioning to leadership roles, where collaboration and adaptability become more crucial than merely being right or best 1 .