Having a competitive spirit in the workplace can be viewed as a positive force. However, sometimes an overly competitive spirit can lead to a negative work environment. Here are a few ways you can deal with excessively competitive coworkers constructively to make a happier and more productive workplace.
1. Focused on YOUR Goals. Focus on what your job requires. In simpler terms— don’t compete unless it’s with yourself. Don’t let other coworkers draw your attention away.
2. Build Relationships. Instead of focusing on competing with the overly competitive worker, put your energy into being a valuable team player and join forces. It is hard to compete with a “partner.”
3. Reinforce Positive Behavior. To have the competitive person see you as a collaborator instead of an enemy, offer a compliment when deserving, ask for advice when working on a project, andstay away if he or she isn’t responding in a positive manner. It is not fun to be negative when you don’t have an audience. So don’t be one!
4. Defend Yourself. Some acts such as harassment, attacks on your work, and stealing ideas without giving proper credit need to be accounted for. Talk first to the competitor and let them know how they offended you. If that doesn’t work, talk to your boss.
5. Evaluate the Culture. If you look around the workplace and find that many of your colleagues are overly competitive, this may be a sign that the company’s culture creates and fosters such behavior. When organizations are too competitive, many good people leave. This may indicate it is time to bring in a consultant to determine if the organization is healthy and if not, to help heal it. When people work in a “sick” environment, they also become ill.