The Tribune

The intent behind personal branding is encouraging employees to distinguish themselves from their peers. It compels them to assess their workplace strengths, leverage them to stand out and, ultimately, to advance in the workplace. This healthy competition creates the ideal environment for productivity and efficiency to thrive.

The truth is, we live in a competitive world. There is competition at home, work and school; among companies, countries, in the community; and even at church. There is nothing wrong with it. And scripture even supports it, advocating that the brethren provoke one another towards love and good works.

Most employers understand that competition is inevitable in the workplace. In fact, they appreciate an employee who performs well or excels as a result of the prompting by another’s high work standards. Leaders and managers often find themselves competing against employees.

Corporate competition is more pronounced and intense in companies where employees are judged on performance levels. In order to rise up the ranks, employees have to produce better results than their counterparts. Their output at work has to be at a higher level than others to receive a promotion or pay increase.

Here, then, are some of the benefits and shortcomings of competition in the workplace:

Advantages of Competition

• Greater productivity

• Better quality of work

• Delivery of work on time.In other words, deadlines are met

• A work-oriented staff

• Higher profits

Disadvantages of Competition

• Too much stress

• Work pressure affects the health of employees

• The employer may not be too sympathetic towards his or her employees, as they may be interested only in results

• Team spirit may become affected, as each employee will be suspicious of the other person’s motives

• Unhealthy competition. One employee bringing down another employee through malpractices in order to supersede their rivals

Employers and employees must both understand that a competitive spirit does not necessarily lead to the absence of co-operation. Teamwork and competition can, and must, co-exist at work if business is to advance and profits be maximised.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.