How to Turn Your Enemies into Collaborators

7 actionable strategies to understand your adversaries and make peace at work

Marusya Wrobel/ Stocksy

Workplace rivalry is a double-edged sword. While a healthy level of competition can drive innovation and performance, too much harms collaboration. It can even encourage teams to sabotage each other.

In my research and teamwork consulting practice, I’ve identified two main issues that hinder collaboration. First, our flawed relationship with (asking for) help. Second, the propensity to view colleagues as enemies rather than allies.

When people or teams see each other as rivals, they tend to withhold information, fail to align their goals, and pursue conflicting agendas. This is particularly evident in newly merged organizations. However, I’ve observed strong feuds in all kinds of teams, from established, corporate firms to fast-growth startups.

Leaders often fail to bring people together because they attempt to rebuild trust logically. But facts and reason alone are not enough. Turning rivals into allies also requires tapping into emotions to persuade people to col…