Competing with your boss/subordinate : how healthy is that

 This topic goes back to the underlying issue of insecure bosses, something I’ve touched upon in an earlier blog.

https://logicallekh.blogspot.com/2025/12/insecure-bosses.html

Over my career, I’ve worked in highly competitive environments.

But surprisingly, my most consistent full-time competitor has often been my own supervisor.

Sounds weird, right?

It’s not an open challenge.

No verbal competition.

No “let’s see who wins” conversation.

It’s a silent cold war — one you often don’t even realise you’re part of, until you’re already deep into it

Some common signs to watch out for:

• Ignoring what you say, even when it’s relevant or data-backed
• Dismissive expressions or body language
• Acknowledging your presence only when a scapegoat is needed
• Actively promoting or engaging more with “yes-sir” team members
• Zero appreciation — achievements quietly swept under the carpet

The expressions may vary based on personality, but the intent feels familiar.

What happens as an outcome?

The usual 80:20 rule plays out here as well.

The 20% — the ones who genuinely work, think, and question — continue slogging.

They try to add value, raise valid points, and prevent mistakes — only to be ignored.

This often leads to:

• Rework or rediscovery of things already known
• Loss of productivity for the team
• Mental fatigue, demotivation, and quiet burnout for the few who actually care

And yet, on a larger scale, life goes on.

For everyone.

Except for this minority — who silently take the mental beating, until they find their own ways to self-motivate, detach, or move on.

Competition is healthy when it’s about growth.

But when it’s rooted in insecurity, it doesn’t create winners — it only creates exhaustion.