Why Collaboration Over Competition Works
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Why Collaboration Over Competition Works
Competition is not bad. It can actually be fun. In fact, I just finished hosting a friendly competition for the Women for Success Nonprofit where teams competed to win the Golden Queen Coffee Cup while also leveling up their careers and connections. We all had fun and made new connections and friends. But when the competition isn’t structured, as it is in sports or a game, it can be divisive and keep everyone from progressing.
Although there is evidence that competition in larger companies can help increase productivity and performance, it has to be framed in a way that you can earn something by working hard. Instead of presenting it in a way that you might lose something if you do not perform as expected. For example, it will likely excite the employee if you say, “If you sell more than 50 units, you will earn a big bonus.” Whereas, if you say, “If you don’t sell 50 units, you will have your bonus taken away.” This could make them feel anxious that they are not performing well, and could lead to all of the negatives that might come with competition.
When you create an environment of competition, several things can happen:
People will be driven by fear (i.e., they might be afraid they will be outperformed by someone else or lose good standing)
Anxiety can cause people to do things they wouldn’t normally do (e.g., fraudulently report higher sales)
They might stress about losing their job or client
Stress and anxiety can interrupt cognitive capacity, so people are less productive and less capable of finding creative solutions to problems
On the other hand, collaboration is all about helping everyone succeed together. As business owners, we can set up our business in a way that encourages collaboration over competition. How? By making sure that everyone is working toward a shared goal, and everyone works together to reach it.
When people collaborate with others:
They are more motivated
Perform better on tasks
Are more likely to find creative solutions
Enjoy their work more
Have higher morale
So in essence, collaborating makes work seem more like play. It also means that businesses that use this model are more productive, efficient, and profitable. This makes clients happier and more likely to continue a relationship with the business.
When it comes to competition, it is best to frame it in a way that makes people excited or boosts motivation. But, collaboration - where people work together toward a shared goal - facilitates the exchange of ideas between people, boosts overall productivity, increases morale, among other benefits. So, whenever possible, it benefits everyone to choose collaboration over competition.