What’s Wrong With A Bit Of Competition?

It seems to be the way we operate.

We ask who is the best and to decide that we set up measuring points of achievement and success.  Implicit in that is the spirit of competition where I see if I am better than you.  If I am, I can take the kudos and the perks that come with that, and I also have the bragging rights.  If I am not then I must endure that feeling of inferiority that will either sadden me or motivate me to beat you.

In some ways there’s nothing wrong with that.  We might never achieved the great things we have achieved without that spirit of competition.  Imagine sports without the spirit of competition … (whoa, that’s some thought right there)

Here’s my problem.

I don’t think the spirit of competition relates well to the spirit of community and the spirit of collaboration.  For example, the goal of competition is to prove you’re the best (no point in competing if you don’t want to win, or at least get as close to winning as possible).  Is that the goal of community?  Or is it to promote serving others to fulfil their potential that in turn will support others in the pursuit of realising theirs – mutual edification.  When you consider the ethos of mutual edification it kind of flies in the face of the spirit of competition.

So what am I saying we desist with all debates, quiz shows, sports and the like? No.

I am suggesting that we have to consider why we do what we do when we do it.  Am I playing a game to substantially beat my opponent, or to improve my own skills in the given area (yes it can be both, but which is more important)?  Am I working to meet targets to be better than my colleagues for the purpose of winning titles and the sort?

As I discover only too often, the only person I’m ever really competing against is myself.  When I applied for jobs I never saw it as going against other applicants.  I viewed it as to whether I met the criteria that the employer looked for.  If I did I’d apply for the job, if I was successful to get an interview that would be the opportunity to show why I am good enough.  If they choose someone else, that’s their loss in missing out on me.

Of course I’ve enjoyed the spirit of competition – of course I love the banter, and of course there’s been a great thrill at letting others know how great I am.  Then I get over myself and realise there are better things to be doing than flaunting the silly bragging rights.  I’m suggesting that as long as the spirit of competition is used to serve the greater needs of collaboration and community (that is to say if it is kept in check BIG TIME) then there is nothing wrong with a bit of competition.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd