It is amazing to me how many times over the years that I have met the best therapist, teacher, technician, or behavior analyst in the world. When I go visit programs (which I love to do!), whether schools, homes, clinics, or anywhere, people get introduced as “XXXX is the best in the world!”
Certainly, sometimes this is just an overly enthusiastic supervisor and they don’t really believe that the person I’m meeting is the best in the world. But I’m going to tell you that often they do!
It is common for people to think that their performance is better than the average person. There is an abundance of research examining this phenomenon. For example, this research found in their sample of US drivers 93% thought they were in the top 50%.
I think it is worth it for BCBAs, parents, teachers, and RBTs to be aware of this research. It is very easy to be fooled by the data or the story problem. I don’t believe this type of research has been done in behavior analysis, but based on the number of “best-in-the-world people” that I’ve met, I’m willing to bet on what would be found. Whenever you hear someone say something like “who could possibly be better than Cathy, Fred, or Kendra,” look out. Your program is probably not as good as you think it is.
When I was young, I read Sam Walton’s autobiography where he describes how he started Walmart. I don’t really remember much about that book. But I do remember him describing constantly visiting as many of his competitors’ stores as he could. Even if the store was in terrible shape, he could often find something they were doing well and say “why aren’t we doing that at Walmart?” It is what encouraged me to go on as many tours of programs for children with autism as possible. The easiest way to POOGI is to simply steal what other people are doing well. But first, you have to realize you are probably not the best in the world. No matter how good you are, there is room for tremendous improvement.