Feb 19 2009
Competition vs Collaboration within Team
When a colleague appears to be more focused on a personal agenda than on a team goal, tension soars. Often the person’s behavior may shift from a competitive to a collaborative position.
Competitive Behaviors:
Threats and bluffs
Focus on stereotypes
Pursuit of own goals
Irrational perspectives
Secrecy
Misrepresentation of need
Unpredictable actions
Collaborative Behaviors:
Negotiation
Pursuit of common goals
Logical and innovative perspectives
Openness
Focus on positive feelings
Accurate representation of need
Predictable actions
Sometimes lack of cooperation is a form of passive-aggressive behavior. By staying distant and not communicating, you may be acting out of frustration and even anger toward you. Left unresolved, these emotions could even lead to active sabotage of your efforts, particularly if you have status in the company. Aim to reduce the appearance of threat you may present. It’s critical to move quickly toward having a conversation with him about what you are experiencing and then extending an invitation to work together to improve your relationship.
