Competition is an inevitable thing in the realm of the workplace. If you are currently working in a company, an organization, or in a school the most likely thing is that you have experienced competitive tension with a colleague one time or another. Even when you have no intention of competing with anyone, inevitable circumstances will just find their way into your career and before you know it, you are already in a battle of skills and wits with a fellow worker.
It is important to understand however that competition in the workplace need not be destructive at all times. Being competitive can be done constructively, and what’s even better is that it can even put you ahead of the corporate game. There are just a few habits needed to be incorporated into your everyday dealings at the office, or your organization.
First of all, improve on your listening skills. When there is a meeting for example be attentive on what the manager is saying, and even if you are not the appointed secretary during that meeting, jot down notes all the same. Moreover, learn to listen to people on what they have to say, rather than cutting them off with your opinions on the matter. When you know how to listen and be more attentive, you are sure to gather more information that the rest of your colleagues may be quick to forget the following day. You also give off the impression that you are easy to converse with, and can be trusted to really listen.
Second, learn to communicate matters to the person concerned in your department or company. When you communicate problems and issues, it is a sign that you are passionate about your work. In any competition, those who are able to communicate the right issues to the one concerned are more likely to be ahead than those who lack communication skills.
Third, be a problem solver, or at least be interested in being one. Don’t just sit around pretending nothing’s wrong when the rest of your colleagues and the supervisor are anxious in solving something. You do not even have to volunteer if you fear the possibility of being rejected. Simply show them that you are willing to be of assistance, and do not deliberately isolate yourself even if you have nothing to do with the problem.
Fourth, manage your time wisely, and in the case of multi-tasking positions, recognize which work needs to be prioritized and which can be settled on another day. Competition is not only about who gets the most number of sales or who is chummier with the boss. Oftentimes it’s also about who achieves more production given a period of time, and given the volume of tasks assigned. Effective time management merits you to achieve more quality in your work rather than mere quantity. In the long run, you will be able to adopt this in your system and in no time your manager will surely notice.
Fifth, don’t be too proud with your stock of knowledge. Instead be willing to learn every single thing, everyday. It could be learning how to operate a new office machine, learning a new business strategy from a supervisor, or learning time management tips with a much older colleague. The greater your knowledge is on a wider scope of things, the better you will be able to perform competitively.
Finally, don’t forget your social skills. As much as possible maintain peaceful relations with each of your colleague, and avoid office gossip. Talk with your boss casually without being overconfident. Being a comfortable but hardworking colleague can easily put you ahead in any workplace competition.
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