Surprising Benefits Of An Office Nemesis

An office without some level of disaccord is virtually impossible. It seems to be a rule of nature that every Tim has a Gareth. And it's easy to see that as a negative – especially if your workplace rival has an annoying tendency to roll their eyes or speak over you in meetings.

Here's the thing: a simple mindset shift can help you to not only outshine your competition but to increase your workplace satisfaction while reducing unnecessary anxiety drastically.

Many people talk about the value of workplace friends – few discuss the benefits of workplace enemies. 

The basis of workplace competition.

Competition at work isn't just inevitable – it's actively encouraged. Studies have shown that healthy competition can motivate innovation and increase productivity. Managers know this fact and take full advantage of its motivating benefits through incentive trips, bonuses, and leaderboards.

But what happens when competition arises naturally, is founded in resentment, and is significantly disrupting your workflow?

Sometimes a rival can be a beacon.

The best peers, mentors, and leaders are those who can push you beyond your usual limits; the people who make you feel at least somewhat uncomfortable. Yes – that definition is a far cry from an enemy, but you can see where I'm going with this.

Enemies offer some things that friends simply cannot; they challenge your ideas, criticize your work, and question your decisions. As stressful as that sounds, it's actually a fantastic opportunity to reevaluate your ambitions and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. 'Getting along' is nice, but there's nothing that quite compares to the feeling of finding your equal and outshining them.

Time and again, we've seen the benefits of productive conflict. Pushing up against your co-workers is more than natural, and some suggest it's necessary for success. If you got along with everyone, what would encourage you to improve? Motivation has to come from multiple sources, inside and out.

Channel your resentment – even enragement – into something productive and meaningful. Plus, there's no sweeter revenge than being happy, care-free, and prosperous.

Sometimes an enemy is just an enemy.

Not every rival is destined to be a friend-in-disguise. Some people are intentionally malicious or rude, and you shouldn't show any leniency for this behaviour. If someone is undermining your influence – skirting the dictates of professionalism – it's fair to calmly and respectfully ask them to stop or report them to your manager or HR, depending on the situation.

What will you do?

When someone steals your clients, takes praise for your work or outpaces you on the leaderboard, it's easy to get angry. This reaction will leave you feeling stressed and less likely to regain your previous eminence.

Instead, come at the problem from another perspective. Laugh off snide comments and use your extra energy to develop your skills and make your way back to the top – maybe higher than you were previously.