A Fine Line
I hear a lot of people describe ‘cutthroat’ environments in school, business, social circles, etc. What I often find is that people mistake being competitive with being cutthroat. Or rather, they know the difference, but just don’t care to adhere to to a more restrictive set of operating parameters.
When I say ‘cutthroat,’ I define it as performing with a lack of empathy towards others. It’s not a question of whether or not the person does everything they can to succeed, or whether they are fuelled by ambition. Rather, it’s what happens after they make the grade: Do they taunt their peers? Are they talking behind other people’s back? Can they differentiate between competition in one activity and separate it from their interpersonal relationships?
Often, what we see sometimes are individuals and/or groups of people who are poor losers and worse at winning. Where does this attitude come from? Although we are responsible for their own actions, it’s true that there are few markers or clues to be found to direct citizens, students or employees towards a better philosophy. When everything taught to us hinges on qualitative measures (like dollar signs), compromises are bound to ripple throughout society.
Being competitive is a different matter altogether. You can be the best student–get straight-A’s–and not thumb your nose at your peers. Maybe understand that when it’s on, it’s on–but when the race is over, you can still feel compassion for others. Basically what I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to be cutthroat to be competitive.
So yes, this way we can feel good about the achievements of others even as they outperform us. In a way, it makes it easier to deal with their success and sweeter when we have peers who, in turn, appreciate our own little victories.