Competition is good for business and good for the human brain … so what’s the problem? Why does competition often get a bad rap from intelligent people?
The language of competition at times becomes the language of inequity … and that spoils the chances for this sport among too many workers. With a little planning, competition can become much more than fun for a few competitive people. Well designed competitions can motivate an entire workforce.
Discuss with your staff how competition works well for the human brain
and for business growth. Then listen to people’s concerns. For instance, if the world at work is considered a win-lose world and the rules are set for one team to constantly win because only certain approaches or skills are valued… then others resent competition… and for good reason.
It’s not that people fear being measured against other people… and in fact many thrive on this. But when firms post performance records of all their employees, and when some prefer unique approaches to success that are not represented on the records, they resent being humiliated in what seems unfair competition.
People love contests. Highly energized competitors love to compete with others at similar skill levels. Just make sure that you do not match high achievers with modest achievers who will lose their zest for getting ahead, because of contact losses.
Find situations where unique contributions can win at times. Since competition is fuel for the human brain, why not use it to move all workers forward in winning ways. People love to compete to win… when the rules include their unique talents and when some opportunity can be spotted in the distance.
Does competition win or lose business where you work?
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