Competition in the Workplace

karlmontgomery • July 14, 2023

As we say goodbye to January we welcome the start of the 6 Nations Rugby Championship. With England reigning as the last champions and hoping to continue their winning streak the competition begins. Healthy competition is usually seen as a positive as competitiveness in sports or competitions can help players and participants excel. However, in the workplace competition can have its benefits and disadvantages.

Healthy competition can be used as a positive incentive in the workplace. This can fuel creativity and ideas therefore increasing the quality of the work produced. Competitive environments tend to reward members that stand out from the crowd. This can encourage staff to go above and beyond the call of duty. For some workplaces, this will result in improved productivity and high staff morale. On the other hand, pitting your employees against each other will often lead to tension, discouragement and resentment. It is important for managers to recognise the differences and learn to foster positive competition and try to eliminate the negative. Alternatively, a happy medium in the workplace is something to strive for. Cooperative competition by encouraging team members to work together will make for a more productive outcome. Individual competition discourages sharing ideas, whist working together helps fuel collaboration.

For some individuals, competition can make them feel inadequate and undervalued and for the unlucky creates anxiety. For those that find a competitive environment hard to handle there are a few ways to make it less stressful. In most jobs, there will be an element of competition, this can help motivation and keep you on your toes. It is important to not let it become overwhelming and finding a mentor to help you navigate your career can be helpful. Select someone who has the career you aspire to have and use this as your source of motivation. Try not to compare yourself to other employees instead concentrate on your own work and goals, taking pleasure in your individual successes.

For many a competitive environment, will be key to their success and job motivation for others this will be stressful and unrewarding. Whichever category you fall into Recruit Mint are here with endless new career options. Contact us today to make an appointment and start the journey to a new future.

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