Handle Competition At The Workplace

Accept its presence

Competition is everywhere. Where ever your career leads you, there will be sufficient competition to keep you on your toes — and it is ever present. Try to become comfortable and accept it.

Assess the situation

Firstly, you need to assess the situation and make sure there are no misunderstandings. The more you get to know your colleague, the more you will figure out about his/her personality and how he/she works.

Do not lose focus

It is easy to let a competitive co-worker become a part of your work life, intentionally making you lose focus on your actual work – and creating an easy win for them. So, learn to fight the temptation and stay focused on the work you were employed to do.

Be the best of you

You are not required to be all things to all people (and should not feel pressured to do so). Instead, find a way to accept the strengths you have and create your own brand. Take control of your own career and find ways to showcase your own talent. You will find that you will focus less on the paths of others when your work comes in line with the best of what you have to offer at the workplace.

Form alliances

Let people know that you can be trusted and that you are a team player. Network without staying too close; develop relationships within your workplace – be the connection between other departments or functions and help solve problems.

Get a mentor

Most successful people speak of a mentor that has either inspired or guided them. However, you may also need a mentor. This is an individual that will help you gain exposure, assists in giving you project/task which is beyond your current knowledge/skills level in order to enhance your development and that test your abilities. This will facilitate in bettering yourself & your skills and generally shift the energy to focus on improving your strengths in the workplace and in furthering your career.

Talk to your boss

Having an open conversation with your manager at times may be the only solution to this unhealthy environment. It is important to be careful when approaching this situation, as you do not want to look like you’re causing conflict in the office.

Do not bite back

No matter how much the competitor tries to provoke you, it’s essential that you do not answer back. Their behaviour may be the result of their insecurities, and if that’s the case they probably feel threatened by your success and will exhaust all avenues to try and shed you in a bad light. Make sure you are always civil and respectful to everyone in the workplace.

Ask to move teams

If you really cannot see eye-to-eye with your competitive colleague, consider moving teams or department if possible. There’s no guarantee that the things will be better on the other side, you might as well try – if you are that unhappy.

Be aware

There is a dark side to workplace competition. Watch for individuals who “fight dirty” and have an unhealthy relationship with competition. Remember, there is no shame in protecting your own interests. Document your accomplishments, if you feel it is necessary – and take credit when it is owed to you. If an environment causes you with troubling levels of stress – look for a change.

Reference/Citation/Source

• 18 Ways to Deal with Competition in the Workplace
  https://www.careeraddict.com/workplace-competition
• 7 Ways to Deal with Workplace Competition
  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20130328141522-128811924-let-s-talk-about-workplace-competition