Keep it fair and honest. Explain to them the promotion criteria. For example: “This role requires [specific skills or outcomes], and here’s how we’ll evaluate candidates.” But remind them that promotion isn’t the only way to success. Even if they don’t get this role, their contributions are not left unnoticed and their work is in no way of less value. There are always opportunities to grow.

Ein gesunder Wettbewerb um eine Beförderung sollte Wachstum fördern, nicht Spaltung. Statt nur Leistungskennzahlen zu vergleichen, hilft ein „Leadership-Entwicklungsprogramm“: Beide Kandidaten übernehmen herausfordernde Aufgaben, um Führungskompetenzen zu beweisen. So entsteht nicht nur eine faire Basis für die Entscheidung, sondern auch ein langfristiger Mehrwert fürs Team. Transparente Kriterien und individuelles Feedback sorgen für Klarheit, während gemeinsame Reflexionen den Fokus auf persönliche Entwicklung statt Konkurrenz lenken. Wer nicht befördert wird, erhält gezielte Förderung für die nächste Chance – so bleibt Motivation erhalten und das Teamgefüge intakt.

Set clear expectations by defining the specifics required for the role in terms of Essential minimum requirements and Over the top qualifications. Make sure to have an objective, transparent and clear scoring system for the promotion. Evaluate both the candidates without any bias. Ask them to present their ideas to the team and ask scoring from the team(360 evaluation criteria). Make sure that team members cheer for each other. This way all members will be seeing each other as equal partners in success of team. I have always understood each members strengths and making sure that they complement each other and maintain a healthy competition.

Na minha experiência, é essencial abordar o conflito com transparência e imparcialidade. Converso individualmente com os envolvidos para alinhar expectativas e reforço que a disputa deve ser saudável, focada em méritos. Estabeleço critérios claros para a promoção e os comunico abertamente. Também incentivo a colaboração e ofereço feedback para transformar a situação em uma oportunidade de aprendizado e crescimento. Com respeito e comunicação aberta, é possível preservar a harmonia da equipe mesmo em momentos desafiadores.

Managing competition between team members: Clear and Transparent Criteria Constructive Feedback Promote Collaboration Over Competition Recognize and Celebrate Effort Maintain Emotional Intelligence Ensuring healthy competition boils down to fostering a culture of mutual respect, clear communication, and fairness. When competition is framed in terms of personal growth and collective success, it can drive individuals to excel without undermining team unity.