HBR IdeaCast How Having a Rival Improves Performance
May 14, 2019
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist from the Wharton School, introduces the transformative power of rivalry in business and sports. He suggests that viewing competitors as allies can enhance performance rather than diminish it. Through fascinating examples, Grant advocates for collaboration among rivals, highlighting how healthy competition can spark growth. He draws parallels between workplace dynamics and sports rivalries, emphasizing the need for effective leadership to turn rivalry into motivation and success.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rivals as Allies
- Rivals can be allies, not just enemies.
- This insight challenges the common misconception of rivalry as purely adversarial.
Train with the Best
- Train with the best to become the best.
- This often includes direct competitors who can push you hardest.
Shalane Flanagan's Collaborative Rivalry
- Shalane Flanagan, a top American distance runner, trains with her rivals.
- They even help each other during races, defying the zero-sum nature of running.