Name: Become friends with your rivals
Uploaded: 2019-03-14T19:31:35Z
Duration: 39 min 45 s
Description: What we can learn about friendly competition from Olympic skiers, elite marathoners and ... food truck vendors. (Audio only)

What we can learn about friendly competition from Olympic skiers, elite marathoners and ... food truck vendors. (Audio only)

Become friends with your rivals

Competing head-to-head can push people to exceed their limits, but the most powerful rivalries are built on support, not sabotage. In the 2016 Olympic marathon trials, two fierce competitors slowed down to help each other qualify, showing that even high-stakes rivals can collaborate. Whether among elite athletes, food truck owners, or coworkers, seeing rivals as partners can lead to greater achievements and a stronger group. Friendly competition thrives when participants share knowledge and celebrate each other's victories.

Rivalry Works Best When It Fuels Mutual Respect

*WorkLife with Adam Grant: A TED original podcast*