Part Two: The Self-Made Fallacy in the Workplace
If the myth of the self-made individual is isolating in personal life, its consequences in the workplace are just as damaging. The dominant workplace culture in many Western societies revolves around competition, the pursuit of individual achievement, and the glorification of personal success. The result? A workforce riddled with burnout, anxiety, and diminished creativity.
The irony is that businesses thrive not on individual success, but on collective intelligence. Studies have repeatedly shown that teams that collaborate effectively—where knowledge is shared, ideas are exchanged, and individuals are supported—consistently outperform those where competition is prioritized over teamwork. Google’s famous Project Aristotle found that the most successful teams weren’t those filled with individual high performers but those that fostered psychological safety and strong interpersonal connections.
Yet, the idea that collaboration is a secondary priority persists. Employees are often pitted against each other for promotions, pay raises, and recognition. This not only creates a toxic work environment but actively inhibits innovation. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that organizations that emphasize collaborative problem-solving outperform their competitors by 30% in revenue growth. Conversely, those who champion competition and individual achievement experience higher turnover rates and employee dissatisfaction.
The consequences extend beyond financial performance. Employees in hyper-competitive environments report greater stress, a heightened fear of failure, and a reluctance to seek help when they struggle. The self-made fallacy reinforces a damaging cycle: people believe they must succeed alone, and when they inevitably struggle, they feel inadequate rather than supported. This chronic stress response can lead to severe mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and even workplace-induced trauma.
Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that work-related stress and anxiety disorders have increased significantly over the past decade, particularly in cultures that emphasize hyper-individualism. Employees who work in cooperative environments with supportive colleagues report significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those in high-pressure, individualistic work settings. Chronic stress not only impacts mental health but also leads to physical ailments such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immune systems.
The solution is not just about encouraging teamwork—it is about reshaping workplace culture to prioritize well-being. Studies have shown that companies that incorporate employee wellness programs, provide mental health resources, and emphasize community over competition see higher retention rates and increased overall productivity. The shift from individualistic success to collective achievement is not just beneficial—it is necessary for long-term sustainability and workforce health.
Reflection & Homework
Think about your own workplace. Do you feel encouraged to collaborate, or is competition the driving force? How has the self-made myth shaped your professional expectations? Identify one way you can contribute to a more collaborative work environment this week.
Sources
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement.
Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.
Koltai, J., & Stuckler, D. (2020). Economic Inequality and the Social Determinants of Mental Health.
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations.
Duhigg, C. (2016). Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business.
Harvard Business Review (2019). The Business Case for Collaboration.
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health at work: Policy brief. World Health Organization.
Comments