Do you have a work twin? Is there a colleague whose name is constantly mentioned in the same breath as yours? This colleague’s responsibilities may differ from yours; he or she may even work in an entirely different department. Yet because his or her position in the organizational hierarchy is roughly equivalent to yours, the two of you are seen as almost interchangeable.
What Data on Formula One Crashes Suggests About Workplace Rivalries
Similarity breeds competition, and too much competition can be destructive.
May 04, 2018
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Summary.
Do you have a work twin? Is there a colleague whose name is constantly mentioned in the same breath as yours? When people call you by the wrong name or send you an email meant for your “twin,” how do you feel? Your polite smile notwithstanding, probably not good. Chances are, you resent the implied threat to your uniqueness and feel, however fleetingly, a competitive urge to outshine your organizational double. A study of Formula One racers suggests that when two drivers are very similar in the rankings, they’re more likely to compete with each other in destructive ways — and crash. If you are the one who feels destined to collide with a colleague who’s close in status, remember: You’re in control of the car.