You Can Collaborate and Compete at the Same Time

This week's article was authored by Curtis Scaplen, Co-Founder of Leadership In Focus, and President of Action Consulting.

"Competition is not about hating each other, but about pushing each other to be better to achieve a common goal." — Curtis Scaplen

The Power of Collaboration

I often preach about the power of collaboration, and I firmly believe in "collaboration over competition" any day. However, let’s not get it twisted—I am one of the most competitive people you will ever meet.

I love sports for many reasons, but the most significant is how they show that we can compete fiercely to win, yet still come together to collaborate for something bigger. The best leaders in the world compete every day, but they do it in a way that lets their values shine through. They don’t bad-mouth their competitors or get too dirty (unlike the world of politics, which I feel is another rant all together). Instead, they uphold mutual respect and a growth mindset. They aim to win, but they also know that when everyone brings their best, the real winners are the community, the consumers, and the market.

From Rivals to Teammates

One of my favorite examples is watching the best players in the NHL battle it out during the season. Then, you see these same players, who seem like arch-enemies, come together on the same team to represent their countries in the Olympics or other best-on-best competitions. I remember my young son saying to me, "But Dad, they hate each other." I told him, "No, buddy, they battle and play tough against each other, but now, on the same team, they will bring a new level of collaboration and support for each other to achieve a common goal."

The Duality of Growth

This duality is where real growth happens. Competing sharpens our skills and drives us to be our best. But collaboration—working together towards a shared vision—takes us even further. In the business world, we can learn a lot from this approach. Compete to win, but do it with integrity and respect. Build each other up, push each other to excel, and recognize that when we collaborate, we create a greater impact.

I will always advocate for collaboration because it brings the most value in the macro picture. However, in the chosen arena, compete to win. Compete to be your best. Win the battles regularly, but never lose sight of the bigger picture. It's not just about winning the game; it's about elevating the whole team, the entire industry, and ultimately, creating a legacy of excellence and integrity.

Closing Thoughts

"Competition whose motive is merely to compete, to drive some other fellow out, never carries very far." — Henry Ford

Balancing competition and collaboration is not just possible—it’s essential. Embrace both. Strive to be the best, and support others in doing the same. When we compete with respect and collaborate with passion, everyone wins.

About Leadership In Focus:

At Leadership In Focus, we're driven by the belief that there are more effective ways to nurture the growth and development of emerging leaders. Each week, we curate and share ideas that hold significance for us, aiming to foster stronger leadership practices within organizations.

If any of our content resonates with you, please don't hesitate to reach out to Curtis Scaplen or Kurtis Graham . We'd love to explore how Leadership In Focus can support the development of your team.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Curtis Scaplen is the Co-Founder of Leadership In Focus, President & CEO of Action Consulting, and Head of Business Development at Seasoned Pros. Curtis is a proud father, entrepreneur, and growth facilitator. He lives to challenge the status quo and is obsessed with solving customers’ problems. He was born in Saint John, NB, and a graduate of the University of New Brunswick. Curtis is a relationship-driven leader who has over 20 years of experience across many industries. His curiosity and need for continuous improvement have led him all over the globe. He has worked on unique projects in every major city in Canada and over 30 countries globally, building iconic brands, and partnering with some of the world’s largest suppliers. He is passionate about the “why” and since moving back to Atlantic Canada from Toronto in 2015 he is dedicated to the growth and sustainability of the Atlantic Region.