Healthy competition pushes us to excel, to take chances and to better ourselves. Of course, competition has its toxic dark side: it can drain your morale, blind you to organizational goals, and exacerbate stress. The key to winning lies in competing on your terms, taking advantage of your strengths, and making the most of your opportunities.

Focus on yourself
The reality is that no matter where you work, you’re going to encounter individuals who are more capable and successful. Colleagues will be promoted ahead of you, maybe get larger bonuses. But it’s critical to remember that you were hired for a reason and that you possess abilities and skills that your employers value. Instead of focusing on a colleague’s career path, work to understand your own unique strengths and identify opportunities that will help showcase your talents.

Forge alliances
Competition can be brutal, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Everyone needs help in the workplace. Reach out to individuals in other departments and groups regularly to create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. It’s crucial to build up a deep internal network of allies whom you can support and who can do the same for you. When working with others, be clear about what you need and listen to your colleagues so that you have a deep understanding of their needs and how you can support them. In meetings, use inclusive language. Instead of saying ‘I,’ say ‘We’ when you’re discussing projects, teamwork, and objectives. After all, everyone is committed to working towards success.

Work with, and not against, the competition 
Overly competitive individuals abound in workplaces, and dealing with them can be difficult, but there are ways to cope. Talk to them, and be polite and civil. A signal to overly competitive colleagues that you are not a threat may motivate them to treat you nicely in return. It can also help to ask them for insight and advice about the work they do; praise them too for work that’s done well. 

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