Competition or Cooperation: Which Attitude to Adopt?

Teamwork & CooperationConflicts & TensionsAll employees≈ 25 min

Key skill: Cooperation

Summary

When does competition motivate, and when does it destroy? Frame rivalry as a game with clear rules and shift the team from win-lose to win-win, without extinguishing the drive to win.

Target audience

Anyone wanting more cooperation in their personal and professional life

Learning objectives

Get the best out of competition for greater creativity and performance, without unhealthy rivalry.
Adopt a caring attitude towards competitors and make sure rules and values are followed.
Use group competition, humour, and lightness to spark a positive desire to win.
Avoid judging competitors and help them let go.

Module outline

StorytellingA professional duel revealing the interplay between cooperation and competition
ArticlesJohn Carlisle's "Game Theory" · Reflecting on cooperation with machines · Moving beyond binary thinking (Cooperating = win-win)
Expert videoAn analysis of competitive culture from school onward, its impact in the workplace, and the shift to a collaborative culture
AnchoringA quiz and true/false exercise to explore the topic further and cement what you've learned
Memo cardDownloadable memo card: the key takeaways from the expert video
CommitmentConcrete examples to help you define your own commitment
BonusA selection of videos to go further (TED, YouTube)

Models & methods

Distinction between competition and cooperation; win-lose vs. win-win logic; group competition; benevolent neutrality towards competitors.

Research-based

John Carlisle's "game theory" (a study of 947 players); Samsung supplies Apple's screens; Volkswagen and Ford cooperate on electric vehicles.