Workplace rivalry can be both beneficial and detrimental. While a healthy dose of competition can propel innovation and performance, excessive rivalry harms collaboration. When colleagues see each other as rivals, they withhold information, fail to align, and pursue personal agendas.

Rivalry is a self-defense mechanism. In primitive times, it was crucial for survival to quickly distinguish between foes and friends. However, most threats in the modern world are perceived, not real.

In a Psychology Today post, psychiatrist Paul Dobransky examines how love-and-hate relationships stem from both intellectual and emotional reasons.

Intellectually, we are drawn to colleagues who are “like us.” For instance, our work friends often share our values, opinions, experiences, or backgrounds. Emotionally, we like those who make us feel good or help us succeed. The principle of reciprocal altruism is crucial in building trustful alliances at work.

It’s as simple as “Scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”

However, rivalry dynamics are not so clear. Just because our adversaries dislike us does not mean they will harm us. Enemies can still behave maturely and respectfully.

Distinguishing between “benign” and “lethal” rivals will make it easier to build bridges with those who may not like you but don’t necessarily intend to harm you.

1. Avoid becoming your rival’s rival.

It’s easy to fall into that trap. Just because someone treats you as a rival doesn’t........

© Psychology Today