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In any online community, there’s always a balance between members sharing their expertise and feeling like they have to “one-up” each other. While a little friendly competition can be healthy, too much of it can create cliques, discourage engagement, and even push people away. So how do we, as community leaders, foster a space where members lift each other up instead of trying to outdo one another?
At the end of the day, the best communities are the ones where people feel like they’re growing together—not fighting for the top spot.
Have you seen examples of strong collaboration in your community? What’s worked (or not worked) for you as a leader?
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People take cues from leadership. If we, as admins and mods, celebrate collaboration—shouting out helpful posts, encouraging teamwork, and modeling a supportive attitude—members will follow suit.2.
Instead of focusing on individual achievements, highlight moments where the community as a whole benefits. For example, instead of saying, "Congrats to [User] for getting the most posts this month!" you could say, "This month, we had some amazing discussions! Shoutout to everyone who contributed to [specific topic]—you all made it a fantastic resource!"3.
Give members reasons to work together! Whether it’s a community resource thread, a mentorship program, or even a fun challenge that requires teamwork, shared goals naturally shift the focus away from competition and toward collaboration.4.
If you notice certain members turning discussions into a “who knows more” contest or trying to dominate conversations, step in with a gentle redirection. Encouraging responses like "That's a great point! I'd love to hear what others think too!" can subtly remind members that discussion is meant to be inclusive, not a battleground.5.
Collaboration thrives when people feel like they have something to contribute. Having dedicated threads or sections for sharing resources, giving feedback, or brainstorming ideas together can turn potential competitors into allies.At the end of the day, the best communities are the ones where people feel like they’re growing together—not fighting for the top spot.
Have you seen examples of strong collaboration in your community? What’s worked (or not worked) for you as a leader?