Blame Congress. That’s what opinion polls seem to suggest that the general public does. But what if the problem isn't Congress, but a set of ruthless co-workers? Hill Navigator discusses why competitive offices may not be confined to the Capitol. Q. My office suffers from a bit of unhealthy competitiveness. What do you make of competition that puts individual performance over the goals of the member of Congress that we work for? This is clearly the case when co-workers undercut and subvert the work of others in order to appear more intelligent or capable. I don't think I've ever experienced such a phenomenon anywhere other than Capitol Hill. Does such a dog-eat-dog mentality exist in the private sector? What is to be made of competition that puts individual performance over the goals of the employer? Capitol Hill is brimming with high-achieving, goal-oriented masters of big ideas and small talk. You can’t get elected to Congress without it. You might land some incredible co-workers who will push you to do your best. But sometimes that same intense drive to be recognized for success can backfire, particularly when it comes at the expense of a co-worker. What to do if you’ve landed in such an office? (more…)
