Healthy and unhealthy competitions at work
By zeroflashx2
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
Philippines
August 4, 2008 5:26am CST
In a lot of companies, bonuses are given to employees who exceed expectations and go the extra mile. But then, there are times when some people tend to go overboard and take it personal that he/she does everything just to get that bonus. May it be in a good way or not.
One of the most notable friendly and healthy competitions would be stack ranking. Wherein the top 3 or 10 gets more bonus than the rest. As long as it's fair and if it's streamlined based on realistic metrics, it's ok. But if there's something fishy or if the design was flawed and can easily be taken over, I'd just have to complain and say stop!
In a perfect world, we would all help each other out and give the best we can and congratulate who the winner is and them move on to the next. I do it that way but not all think the same way as I do. But, that's reality. How about you? Have you had any similar competitions at work? How did you and your co-workers act on it? Any violent (or not so violent 
) reactions from some of your co-workers?
) reactions from some of your co-workers?1 person likes this
4 responses
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
I love healthy competitions at work. Such challenge me to become the best I can be. However, it is sad that in the company I am working for, our superiors are fond of playing favorites. You would notice that the same people are given the breaks. It's also sad that there are people in the workplace that would intentionally step on others' toe just to get what they want.
2 people like this
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
That is so true. Healthy competitions keep us motivated and it brings about the best in us. But as you said, it can't be helped sometimes that there are superiors who would favor a person or a certain group of people over the others. Some of 'em don't even deserve it. Their conscience must have been eating them alive if its working. 
Thanks for input.
Thanks for input.1 person likes this
@venshida (4836)
• United States
4 Aug 08
I believe strongly that competition is healthy in a work environment. I have seen people get upset about someone receiving bonuses. In most cases, the people who are upset about the compensation are the ones who did not go above and beyond. If the compensation is fair, I think it is great. If someone does not apply themself, they are the one to blame.
2 people like this
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
That's an excellent assessment. 
There are a few who complain even if they didn't give it the best they can and exceed expectations. I've gotta admit though, it was hard for us to lay down a bonus program since we are anticipating rules and we wanted it to be fair. As you said, that would really be great. Well, there are a few who just complain and complain and they usually just think of themselves. Take care.
There are a few who complain even if they didn't give it the best they can and exceed expectations. I've gotta admit though, it was hard for us to lay down a bonus program since we are anticipating rules and we wanted it to be fair. As you said, that would really be great. Well, there are a few who just complain and complain and they usually just think of themselves. Take care. 1 person likes this
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
Very true my friend. Some actually even try and pull them down every way they can. That was real bad. If only they knew that they're goals is to meet or even exceed expectations, and that's for everyone. A few of them are really selfish and won't even consider giving it a fair chance. There are some who are just working to the best they can without taking it personally. It's far fetched but hopefully, everyone would follow suit for good. ^_^
1 person likes this
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
Hey Hatley! That's fine. Thanks for sharing. That's really a long time, 20 years. I hope I'd be able to stay in my present company for a really long time as well. It's really hard to transfer. I guess it depends as well on the industry and nature of work. Take care!
