By: Natasha Archary
Being in a competitive workplace environment is a double-edged sword. While it can provide a space for continual growth, it can often mean constant pressure to one up your co-workers, creating a stressful and unpleasant workspace.
This can be particularly true for high pressure environments, or those that require a sales benchmark and targets.
Competition is unavoidable, unless your profession is extremely niche and there aren’t many people who can fill your role.
One Kaya Drive listener shared that she’s the only female in her male dominated office, but says she sees that as an advantage in her favour.
“I’m in a male dominated industry and I can’t say that I compete with anyone. The men compete amongst themselves and nobody can do what I can do, so I don’t stress because there is no competition, shame.”
To one of the listener’s points, it is human nature to be competitive, because it gives one something to measure their achievements against.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
Competition can also spur on innovation within a team environment but there are a number of downsides to an overly competitive workplace.
This includes:
- Discouraging the rest of the team
- Setting unreasonable expectations
- Resentment
- Stress
- Defensive behaviour
- Secretiveness in the workplace
Also read: Kaya Drive: Assumed male dominance in the workplace
