When nothing else works, try this summary by Dale Carnegie in the book how to influence friends

The principle of competition presented in 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' challenges existing paradigms in the field of business by emphasizing the psychological aspects of competition. It suggests that the desire to compete and win can be a powerful motivator, often more so than the actual prize or outcome. This challenges traditional business practices that focus solely on tangible rewards, suggesting that fostering a competitive environment can lead to increased involvement and productivity.

A startup can use the principle of competition to grow by creating a competitive environment that motivates employees to perform better. This can be done by setting clear goals and rewarding those who achieve or exceed them. The rewards don't necessarily have to be monetary or tangible; recognition and appreciation can also serve as powerful motivators. This principle can also be applied to the startup's products or services by creating a unique selling proposition that sets them apart from the competition.