
As I thought
about these three major events, it made me really take a good look at competition
– the good, the bad and the ugly. When it’s good, competition can take things
to new levels, foster creativity and teamwork; it gives rise to innovation and
pushes people past the comfort zone to achieve greater things. Pride When it’s
bad, it’s divisive; creates hostility and anger; increases stress and deflates
team spirit and morale. And when it really gets ugly – when it takes on that “win
at all costs” and “whatever it takes” – it creates dissension, suspicion and lack of trust; negative energy, name
calling, finger pointing; and it can lead to unethical practices and maybe worse.
Winning is great whether it’s in politics, sports, our
businesses or daily life. But how you win, in my opinion, is even more
important. Do you work hard? Do you overcome the obstacles put in your way? Do
you follow the rules? Respect your competition? Are you honest? Do you focus on
the good in yourself and your team? Or do you try to make your team look good
by constantly berating your competition? Do you acknowledge the people who
helped you get there? Or is it all about you?
As the 2016 Summer Olympics unfold and the Presidential
Campaign moves forward – all on the international stage – we will see examples
of every kind of competitive behavior just mentioned. It will all be memorable;
some of it for the wrong reasons.
Think about it. What kind of competitor are you; in your
business and in your personal life? What memories are you creating for your
audiences? No matter what others may say, I believe it matters – big time.
To quote an Italian proverb, “After the game, the King and
pawn go into the same box.”
Food for thought.
Posted by
MJ Thomas
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