Imagine a Singapore without all that hyper-competition

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There’s a difference between healthy competition – good-spirited motivation to advance sustainably – and hyper-competition. The latter requires us to push others out of the way and operate from a zero-sum mindset, believing that a win for others is automatically a loss for us. 

the idea of “can’t miss out” or “me-first” is pervasive in so many areas of our lives. Zero-sum approaches to life result broadly in three losses, my research found: a lack of curiosity, generosity and risk-taking necessary for leadership.

If we believe that success is winner-take-all, we’re less likely to want to cooperate and collaborate, let alone “give away” any of our resources unconditionally.

The narrative around competition is often about how it drives excellence, but in practice, it often rewards those who conform most closely to a set standard. Competition makes us more risk-averse. Risk-taking – and the corresponding failure at times – is deeply necessary for growth, innovation and leadership.

Qns:

1. Is competition always desirable? (Cam. 2016)

2. 'Being very competitive is not always desirable.’ Do you agree? Why or why not?