Thriving in a Male-Dominated Workplace (HBR Women at Work Series)

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When Women Compete

A conversation with Leah Sheppard

People often think of competition as a healthy part of work. But that’s not always true when the competition is among women. Whether we’re vying for a major promotion, trying to earn a bigger bonus, or maneuvering to get our way on an important decision, people who see us arguing for what we want might not view it favorably if we’re going up against a female colleague. And for the women involved, it can make a friendly competition or growth opportunity feel like intense conflict.

In this conversation, Women at Work cohosts Amy Bernstein, Amy Gallo, and Nicole Torres talk to Leah Sheppard, an associate professor in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University, about the nature ...