Rivalry in the Workplace

A bit of competitive rivalry in the workplace can be a good thing, particularly when it motivates the team as a whole to do its very best.But workplace rivalry that negatively impacts communication and collaboration can result in a lack of trust and respect and cause general discord among workers.

Rivalry can be more prevalent during periods of economic uncertainty or dramatic change in an industry or company, such as during a corporate restructuring. This is when workers are most apt to feel their jobs are in jeopardy and thus may feel increased pressure to prove their worth. Unfortunately, this can cause some workers to become downright cutthroat, leading to some unscrupulous tactics in the workplace.

Overall, competition in the workplace may be on the rise. According to a 2011 survey conducted by OfficeTeam, a global staffing services company, one thousand senior managers reported that they felt coworkers were more competitive with one another now compared to what they witnessed ten years ago. 

The best tactic for dealing with coworker rivalry is to rise above it, and here are a few tips for doing so:

• Work hard and stay focused on doing quality work 
• Demonstrate loyalty to the company, your manager, and teammates 
• Be respectful of your coworkers, even those with different work styles and opinions 
• Open yourself up to learning from others and hearing new ideas 
• Foster teamwork and suggest ways for collaboration 
• Identify and work toward common goals 

You may not have control over coworker rivalry; however, you can control your own response and attitude toward it.  Set a good example for others and maintain a professional reputation that you can be proud of and others will respect.

Healthy Versus Unhealthy Competition. The Key Differences.

I do not consider myself a competitive person. However, like many people, I enjoy succeeding and knowing I did well. In talking with a client the other day – someone who categorized herself as extremely competitive – I began thinking about how a competitive spirit can be detrimental to both your career and your personal life.

To some, healthy competition is a bit of an oxymoron. We have moved toward raising our children in an “everyone’s a winner” society. However, I believe competition and ultimately failure – when taken in healthy doses – can actually be good for you. This is why my husband and I play our best when playing games with our children. Everyone needs to know how it feels to lose, lose gracefully, learn from mistakes, and get back in the game.

Here are some ways that you can help yourself distinguish between healthy and unhealthy competition.

Healthy Competition:
- encourages the people involved to strive further and push themselves harder than they would have without competition.

- drives you to achieve more growth and success – not because you are driven to win or lose – but because you are doing your best at something that you care about.

- changes the boundaries of what you believe you are capable of and stretches the limits of what you believe is possible.

- requires the courage to take risks, requires the willingness to fail, and necessitates a vulnerability to admit you are ambitious to succeed.

- makes you feel proud of yourself for trying – no matter the outcome.

Unhealthy Competition:
- causes you to feel negatively about other peoples’ successes as opposed to motivated or inspired.

- happens when you wish for others to have obstacles or limitations so that they are held back.

- causes you to feel shame when you lose or fail.

- motivates you to seek competitors who are naturally weaker than you, so that you will feel the advantage.