While competition has existed for centuries, it still holds true today both personally and professionally. Some might argue that one may often drive the other based on specific circumstances on what the competitor has previously experienced. Most Leaders would agree that competition is an important factor in our work environments. As Leaders, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where collaboration is pushed more to the forefront as the combined efforts put forth by employees drives not only comradery, but trust, team building, & diversity of both thought & perspective. When I think of competition, I immediately tend to think more of athletics or sporting events. As an example, take basketball, football, baseball, or hockey for that matter. In each one of these sports, there’s a “Team” of individuals with a common goal & that common goal is to “WIN”. However, when you look at the “Team” dynamic, each player has a position they play which in turn enhances & adds value creating a pathway for success. The Coach (or the Leader) inherently hones in on the strengths of each individual contributor and capitalizes on those unique talents in order to reach the goal of “WINNING”.
Similarly, in a corporate landscape, Leaders who capitalize on individual contributor’s strengths quickly recognize which talents could be utilized to drive strategic initiatives both long & short term. Doing so increases the chances that may lead to experiencing results that drive increased revenue and will ultimately decrease costs. Evan Rosen, Executive Director with “The Culture of Collaboration Institute” & Author of “The Culture of Collaboration” coins it best as it relates to Collaboration versus Competition. “Perhaps the most significant way that internal competition derails collaboration involves trust. How can we trust one another if we’re competing in a dog-eat-dog culture? Instead of trust, fear prevails.” Lack of trust can often result in counter-productive behaviors, unnecessary conflict, minimal effort, involuntary attrition & a plethora of other negative results that can often be circumvented with a minor change in Leadership mind-set.
Here are 5 Critical Factors/Quotes for Leaders when promoting healthy competition in the workplace:
(1) Communication is Essential in Driving Positive Relationships
“Effective communication requires more than an exchange of information. When done right communication fosters understanding, strengthens relationships, improves teamwork and builds trust.” Liz Papadopoulos
“TEAMWORK = Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford
“Great leaders build trust and collaboration while focusing on developing people’s capacities rather than focusing on their limitations.” LEITHWOOD ET AL., 2004
“Without Trust we don’t truly collaborate; we merely coordinate or, at best, cooperate. It is trust that transforms a group of people into a team.” Stephen M.R. Covey