How do I work in a team where it feels like everyone's trying to compete with each other?

When economic uncertainty hits, workplace dynamics can shift dramatically. Suddenly, colleagues who were once collaborative might start protecting their territory, criticising others' work, or trying to take over responsibilities. It's exhausting to navigate, especially when you'd rather focus on doing good work than playing office politics.

If you're feeling like your workplace has turned into a survival-of-the-fittest environment, you're not alone. Many creatives find themselves in teams where competition overshadows collaboration, and it can leave you wondering how to maintain your integrity while still protecting your career.

This question was answered by Maria Devereux, Executive Creative Director at Accenture Song in North America with extensive experience in creative leadership and team dynamics, Katie Feder, a registered psychotherapist specialising in emotional health and wellbeing with expertise in helping creatives navigate workplace challenges, and Andy Wright, Host and CEO of Streamtime, who brings deep knowledge of creative industry dynamics and team leadership.

You don't have to participate in the competition

The most liberating insight from this discussion is that competitive workplace behaviour is a choice, not a requirement. As Maria explains: "If there were things happening competitive competition you know competitiveness between teams or if people were trying to undermine each other um i guess it didn't really fit personally for me it didn't really you know fit with how i wanted to operate um so it's easier just to sort of step outside of that."

This isn't about being naive or passive. It's about recognising that you can choose how to respond to competitive dynamics. You can maintain your professional standards, deliver excellent work, and build genuine relationships without getting drawn into undermining behaviours or office politics.

Maria adds: "I don't think it's necessarily going to go away um in our industry but you certainly don't have to partake in it to succeed." The competitive elements might always exist in creative industries, but your success doesn't depend on participating in them.

Stay grounded in your authentic self

When workplace competition intensifies, it's easy to lose sight of who you are and what you stand for. Katie offers practical advice for maintaining your centre: "When we talk about meditation and breath work and things that bring you joy the reason why they're referred to as a practice is because it it's something that you do every day as an invitation to connect yourself to yourself to your ethnicity to your truths to your joy."

This daily practice doesn't need to be elaborate. Even 10 or 15 minutes in the morning can help you start the day connected to your own values and sense of self. Katie explains the benefit: "So that then when you do walk into work and you've got everybody else's energy and behaviors and thoughts and views and opinions the the root of who you are is really stabilized in terms of your own sense of self and then the other stuff is just kind of seasonality around it but it's it's not the directive for how you feel and show up."

Understand the volatility of external validation

One of the most damaging aspects of competitive workplace environments is how they can make your self-worth dependent on constantly proving yourself against others. Katie warns about this trap: "There's a real volatility to it if you if your metrics for how to behave and how you feel about yourself is totally um outside of yourself then i that's not going to go so well."

When your sense of professional worth comes entirely from external sources (winning projects, getting praise, outperforming colleagues), you're at the mercy of factors beyond your control. Building internal stability through regular self-connection practices helps you weather workplace storms without losing yourself in the process.

Authenticity as your competitive advantage

Maria brings valuable perspective from her leadership experience about the power of staying true to yourself. She notes that authenticity often becomes your greatest strength in competitive environments. When others are focused on undermining each other, your consistent, genuine approach to work and relationships can actually set you apart in positive ways.

This approach requires confidence in your own abilities and values, but it's ultimately more sustainable than trying to out-compete everyone around you. As Maria suggests, stepping outside the competitive dynamic doesn't mean stepping back from excellence, it means pursuing it in a way that aligns with who you are.

Focus on your own work and relationships

Rather than getting caught up in competitive dynamics, redirect your energy toward what you can control: the quality of your work and the authenticity of your professional relationships. Andy reinforces this approach by noting the importance of staying true to your values even when others around you might be operating differently.

This doesn't mean being a pushover or failing to advocate for yourself. It means choosing collaboration over competition where possible, focusing on delivering excellent work, and building genuine connections with colleagues who share your values.

How Never Not Creative Circles can help

Working in a competitive team environment can be isolating and stressful. Never Not Creative Circles provide peer support groups specifically designed for creatives facing workplace challenges like yours. These monthly sessions offer a safe, confidential space to share experiences with other creatives who understand the unique pressures of our industry.

The program includes mental health support and practical guidance for navigating difficult workplace dynamics while maintaining your wellbeing. Having a supportive community outside your immediate work environment can provide perspective and help you develop strategies for staying grounded. Learn more about NNC Circles.

When to seek professional help

If workplace competition and stress are significantly affecting your mental health, sleep, or overall wellbeing, it might be time to seek professional support. Persistent anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or feeling overwhelmed by workplace dynamics are all valid reasons to reach out for help.

Professional counsellors and therapists can provide personalised strategies for managing workplace stress and help you develop resilience in challenging environments. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Find professional help resources.

Consider the Support Line for workplace issues

If you're experiencing more serious workplace problems like bullying, harassment, or unfair treatment that goes beyond normal competition, Never Not Creative's Support Line can help. This service provides free introductory legal advice for creatives facing workplace mistreatment.

The Support Line, delivered in partnership with specialist legal firm Artis Causa, can help you understand your rights and options if competitive behaviour crosses the line into harassment or bullying. Sometimes knowing your rights can give you confidence to address problems or simply provide peace of mind. Access the Support Line.

You can thrive without compromising your values

Working in a competitive team environment doesn't mean you have to abandon your principles or engage in behaviours that don't align with who you are. By staying connected to your authentic self, focusing on your own excellent work, and building genuine relationships, you can navigate these challenges successfully.

Remember, the most sustainable career success comes from being consistently excellent at what you do while maintaining your integrity. As Maria wisely demonstrates through her leadership experience, you don't have to participate in competitive dynamics to succeed. Your authentic approach to work and relationships will ultimately serve you better than any short-term competitive advantage.

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