Organizations promote collaboration through their messaging, yet competition is often rewarded. There is an inherent, embodied polarity in human nature: “working against” vs. “working with.” Underneath the experience of competition are the clear messages, “I’m the best, and you’re not,” and “I’m the winner, and you’re the loser.” Since none of us wants to lose, you’d think we’d all embrace collaboration. Are we hard-wired to compete? Turns out we need to be intentional and skillful to set the stage for collaboration – and it’s worth the effort: it’s how we are able to access and release our highest potential for successful performance.
