Healthy competition pushes us to excel, to take chances and to better ourselves. Of course, competition has its toxic dark side: it can drain your morale, blind you to organizational goals, and exacerbate stress.
The key to winning lies in competing on your terms, taking advantage of your strengths and making the most of your opportunities. some means of having a healthy competition in the office are;
BE YOU
Always remember that you were hired for a reason and that you possess abilities and skills that your employers value. The reality is that, no matter where you work, you’re going to encounter individuals who are more capable and successful. Yes, colleagues will be promoted ahead of you, maybe get larger bonuses. So, Instead of focusing on a colleague’s career path, work to understand your own unique strength and identify opportunities that will help showcase your talents. Be brave and identify the source of your insecurity feelings about your abilities. Undergo more training or professional and personal development to build your confidence and assuage lingering doubts about your skill set.
REACH OUT
Everyone needs help in the workplace. Competition can be brutal, but you don’t have to struggle alone. It’s important to build up a deep internal network of allies whom you can support and who can do the same for you. In meetings, use inclusive language. Instead of saying “I,” say “We” when you’re discussing projects, teamwork, and objectives. After all, everyone is committed to working towards success. Reach out to individuals in other departments and groups regularly to create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
WATCH OUT
When you’re forced to deal with colleagues who actively seek to undermine you. You know the type. They’re saboteurs. The one who “forgot” to invite you to a meeting or to copy you on an important email; who takes credit for your work and who neglects to acknowledge your contributions. With these individuals, you’d better watch your back. If you suspect your co-worker of snooping, deploy passwords to protect any electronic files you use at the office and keep your desk and any storage areas locked with a key. Update your manager regularly on the work you’ve been doing. In the highly likely event that your co-worker attempts to throw you under the bus to explain away their own mistakes or paint you in a less than flattering light, you’ll have documented and verifiable evidence to refute any claims.
ACCEPT COMPETITION
Truly, competitive individuals abound in workplaces, and dealing with them can be difficult. Send a “chill pill signal”. A signal to overly competitive colleagues that you are not a threat may motivate them to treat you nicely in return. Flattery goes a long way and who knows? They might just embrace you as someone they can trust. It can also help to ask them for insight and advice about the work they do; praise them too for work that’s done well.
Finally, the key to surviving workplace competition is to ensure that it stays healthy by balancing it with a deep sense of mutual respect for your colleagues and a recognition that you are all bound by a common desire: to perform well and succeed.
