Trusted Friends Fail But Strategic 'Enemies' Propel Careers

Research in organizational behavior repeatedly shows friendships at work can become complacent, fraught with envy, or lead to poor accountability. People believe their friends will always support them, only to find that personal obligations and resentments complicate matters. Meanwhile, studies of high-performing teams—from schools to startups—reveal that productive tension with former adversaries can drive exceptional results.

Take, for example, a classic sociological experiment: applicants for a competitive program were randomly assigned to teams. As expected, groups of close friends started off cohesive but soon encountered issues—resentments emerged if one person carried more weight or shined too brightly. By contrast, teams containing members who had previously competed or even clashed soon harnessed their competitive spirit, trying harder to impress or prove their worth. Over time, these unlikely partners forged mutual respect and delivered higher-quality work, each anxious to avoid appearing unreliable.

The reason? Human psychology prizes fairness, reputation, and the opportunity to rewrite personal narratives. A former adversary has something to prove; they must earn trust, and so invest more effort and vigilance. Collaborative tension, when managed, keeps groupthink at bay and ensures fresh ideas. This is why, in the highest ranks of government and business, leaders often prize loyal former competitors over relaxed allies.

Want to get more from your network? Take a minute to jot down who you trust most and who you always avoid, especially those you’ve had disagreements with in the past. Instead of staying safe, pick someone just outside your circle—even that hard-charging student or the teammate who once challenged your idea—and reach out with a clear invitation to work together. Explain why you value their perspective and suggest a shared win. You’ll be surprised at how motivated a ‘reformed rival’ can be and how it boosts your own creativity and accountability. Try starting this week with a low-stakes project.