Feeling Overwhelmed by Competitive Colleagues? How to Regain Confidence at Work

I am facing this problem of competition at work from my colleagues. When the responsibility of work is specifically given to me by my boss and few other members also working on the same project. The others try to prove that they are superior to me and work at a really fast pace to impress the boss. What this is causing is that I am losing interest in the work, losing confidence, and fearing the boss's rejection. Please give me some suggestions on how to overcome this situation.

Thanks

It's good that you are having competition. It gives you something to measure your performance against. Just keep up the pace with others, and you need not worry about the job. But if you really want to grow, you need to be at the top by a far margin. Be innovative and find ways to get the work done quickly.

Hi Kavita,

Take competition in a healthy way, don't stress out and try to bring more improvements in your work by updating your knowledge (through networking, internet, books, etc.) related to the given projects and beat the competition. I am sure you will do it.

Good luck.

Regards,
Shilpi

This situation had happened in my career as well, and I understand that it is quite frustrating. When the task has been clearly assigned to you by your boss, there is no justification for why others are also working on the same task. You have to explain this to your boss, stating that you are quite competent to do this work alone. It is possible that the task requires multiple resources to complete it to your boss's satisfaction, which is why multiple people are working on the same task. Please try to improve your competency and demonstrate your efficient working to your boss so that he may recommend you to others, acknowledging that you have indeed produced better work than others. This will enable you to succeed in the competitive environment within any organization.

Hi Kavita,

I'm sure the suggestions posted by all the members will help you resolve your problem. Please remember, each one is unique in this world. Don't compare yourself with others; if you do so, then you are insulting yourself. Never underestimate yourself.

Tips to build your self-image:

1. Feel good about yourself.
2. Make a list of your positive qualities.
3. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.

Cheers!
Maya

Kavita, it seems that you have just started your career in the corporate world; in the corporate world, it's all a genuine matter. I suggest you go and get it done methodically. Do not avoid competition in your career; this is the only stage where you can improve yourself. If you are not prepared, you can still win the race by slowly and steadily.

Try to do your work slowly but perfectly; this will be the turning point and the answer to those who are against you.

Bye

It has happened with almost everyone. (Hope this cheers you up).

These are facts of corporate life; call them occupational hazards or otherwise, but you'll have to learn to live with them and develop coping mechanisms of your own.

If there is ANY SPECIFIC QUERY/PROBLEM, members would be happy to help.

Hi Kavitha,

Your thinking is covered and composed. You have to have SELF-EFFICACY, you have to build your internal motivation. Very simple Kavitha, when they can do, why not you?? This is not comparing but building yourself to a better position. Build yourself and keep rockin....

Thank you.

Hi Kavitha,

One thing that comes to my mind is Interpersonal Skills. Work on your interpersonal skills and win people over. If your colleagues are better than you, admit it to them and seek their guidance. I see this as flexibility and not as bending down.

A very popular quote from the movie ROCKY is, "YOUR ANGER & FEAR IS LIKE A FIRE IN YOU. IF YOU CONTROL THAT FIRE YOU BURN YOUR ENEMIES, ELSE IT BURNS YOU". Competition is good and, in fact, the most important thing we need to move forward. Consider all that's being said by our fellow members here and also work on your interpersonal skills. All the best!

Regards,
Muthukumar K

Thank you, everyone, for all your valuable inputs. I have not yet come to a conclusion on how to handle this situation. I have decided that I will proceed with my way of working and not engage in competition. If possible, I will have discussions with my colleagues and the manager to complete the work.

Thanks for the replies. If I encounter any problems in the future, I will post the questions and expect some valuable tips from you. Thanks again.

Hi, I totally agree with everyone's statement. Competition at work is unavoidable, so please take it easy and concentrate on your work. Do the right things, be patient, and always stay positive. People will know who misrepresents themselves for personal gain. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing.