Set clear expectations to turn destructive workplace competition
into healthy collaboration.
What do you do when two of your (high-performing, high-potential direct reports) don’t get along because they’re competing for your job? This workplace competition is off the chain. #askingforafriend
Hi Karin,
The good news is that I’m on the fast track and am about to be promoted.
The bad news? Two of my direct reports are jonesing for my job– and we’re in a spiral ugly workplace competition. What should I do? #askingforafriend
4 Ways to Help Your High-Performers Get Along
In today’s quick video, I offer 4 ways to nip destructive workplace competition in the bud.
1. Take a hard look at your systems and processes.
Are results stack ranked? If one person wins, does the other lose?
For more on the importance of systems and processes and destructive workplace competition, you won’t want to miss my Asking for a Friend interview with the grandfather of workplace conflict research, Ralph Kilmann.
2. Set clear expectations.
Ensure they know what good collaboration looks like. AND that you expect them to collaborate in their current role. Be sure that collaboration skills will be considered in future promotions.
You might even share a strategic story about how you learned the importance of peer collaboration the hard way. Be specific. Give examples of when collaboration is working and where it breaks down. Be crystal clear on the habits and behaviors that are vital in their role.
3. Bring them together and have them agree to a specific, doable plan down to the behavior/habit level about how they will collaborate.
Of course, our new book, Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict can help them think this through. We’ve also provided discussion questions, activities, and a bunch of FREE resources in our Team Collaboration Guide.
4. Invest in one-on-one conversations with each of them to support their career development plans.
Your role is not the only potential one; at best one will get promoted. Be sure they both know you care about them and their careers and want to help.
5. What would you add? ______________ How do you help stave off unhealthy workplace competition?
See Also:
7 Things Your High-Performers Want to Hear You Say
Stop Frustrating Co-Workers: Avoid These Innocent Mistakes
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