Competitors Can Be Friends Too

(USA) Competitors Can Be Friends Too! I rolled this today and was constantly reminded of it – we have been working together with one of our competitors on a project for a large client for several years now. It hasn’t always been easy, sometimes we think differently and don’t always agree. However, many times when a mistake has been made by them, we have tried to fix it without saying anything to our client.

This week was no exception! Today, at our wrap up meeting with the client, it went very well. At the end, the client asked: “do you have any other comments?” We shook our head “no” and thought that was the end. Suddenly, our competitor spoke up: “We would like to say something….we have never been part of a project with such a great team, and a textbook example of how a project should be managed successfully.” It was the highest compliment that we could have received, and it was the fruit of all of our attempts to build relationships with them.

If you ever wondered about this side of The Cube and if it is possible, wonder no more. It is possible! And living it brings one of the most meaningful levels of satisfaction you can ever imagine.

(Maria Ines Servidio Peralta, Cordoba, Argentina) – Era la primera vez que lanzaba el cubo y pensé “Lo peor que me puede suceder es que salga la cara de los Competidores, pero sería tener muy mala suerte”. Sin embargo, Dios sabe cómo hace las cosas y salió la cara que más temía: COMPETIDORES. Nunca se me había ocurrido que podía ser amigos!!!

Me había propuesto probar una metodología diferente a la habitual, así que tenía que poner en marcha la “cara” que había salido. Inmediatamente vino a mi mente una charla que tuve la semana anterior con un colega Despachante de Aduana. Lo llamé enseguida para saber cómo iban sus operaciones y surgió la posibilidad de tener una reunión de trabajo.

Fui a esa reunión con el objetivo de hacer de este competidor mi amigo, y si a pesar de todo no lo lograba, por lo menos acercarme a él desde otra mirada. Puedo decir que me sorprendí, porque su reacción fue inaudita. Me dio varias ideas para desarrollar proyectos y lo más valioso fue que compartió conmigo su experiencia y sabiduría después de 20 años de trabajo en el rubro.

Tenemos planeada otra reunión la semana que viene y comenzar a trabajar en un proyecto en conjunto. Todo surgió porque vi en esa persona lo que realmente es, una persona y no un enemigo. Me gustaría que todos se animaran a hacer el intento y que este se multiplique, es un milagro para compartir!!!

(F.S. – Budapest, Hungary) – In the beginning of the week we rolled the cube with the guys of my department, and it said: “Competitors can be friends too.”
We are trying hard to get into a new market segment for us, in which opportunities were created by a new law. We tendered at a potential client, which would have been a good reference for the future. Unfortunately we came only second as a competitor offered a lower price.

When the results were shared with us, I saw that the winner is an ex-colleague of mine, with whom I haven’t talked for a few years. Of course I have regretted that we have lost, but then I thought that it’s also an opportunity to get in touch with him, so I’ve written him an e-mail with congratulations and good luck for the engagement. Till now there is no response, but I don’t mind, I’ve done my part.

(J.M. – Indiana, USA) – Rolled “Competitors Can Be a Friends Too!” today and saw how I could live it. Sad that an employee was leaving to work for a competitor, but took the time to celebrate with a going away party all the good things he accomplished these last 8 1/2 years. Before he left for the day, he came to my office and gave me a big hug and thanked me for having a company where everyone is treated like family. Friends for life, even future competitors!