How to “Uncompete”: Embrace Collaboration to Create a Culture of Innovation, Inclusion and Trust



Training overview

Conventional wisdom tells us that competition breeds innovation. But what if encouraging a highly competitive atmosphere is doing the opposite and stifling growth instead? Research shows that collaborating can result in much more success than competition and has in fact brought about some of history’s biggest breakthroughs. Through this talk from award-winning culture expert Ruchika T. Malhotra, leaders will be able to reflect on their perceptions of scarcity and competition to understand how the winner-takes-all environment of constantly pitting people against one another stalls innovation and quickly leads to burnout. It creates divisions and rivalry that blocks a culture of psychological safety and inclusion. With research-backed evidence illustrating that humans are wired to succeed by working together, Malhotra shares tactical steps to “uncompete” through choice, action and resistance. We can and must shift away from a zero-sum mindset to succeed as individuals, teams, organizations and societies.

Key takeaways

Understand how excessive internal competition can limit innovation reduce trust and weaken long-term performance.

Learn how winner-takes-all environments create burnout silos and barriers to collaboration.

Discover how trust and inclusion create conditions where people contribute ideas more openly and creatively.