I have been reading a book called Envy: The Enemy Within by Bob Sorge. He calls envy the most common problem that nobody has (because we don't usually perceive it as our own personal problem). I believe Sorge is on to something here. Sorge defines envy as the internal pain we feel over someone else's success. If so, then I admit I struggle with envy too.
If envy is a common problem among individuals then I believe it is common a problem in organisations. In the workplace, envy primarily plays out in the form of internal competition.
Let me clarify that I am not talking about determination. I firmly encourage people to give their best in whatever task is presented. What I am trying to ask is what fuels this determination?
I believe there is a difference between a person's internal competitiveness and being achievement orientated. You can have two people running a race, one person can choose to look at the time, the other looks at their rivals.
A friend who is an investment banker is up for promotion this year. Investment banks use an anonymous 360-degree feedback mechanism in their appraisal system. That means that employees are appraised by their superiors and their subordinates and that these appraisals are done anonymously.
While going through the promotion process he vented his frustrations about the negative feedback from peers, despite the fact that subordinates and managing directors gave him rave reviews for his leadership and outstanding performance.