Being part of teams that work together in every sense of the word, this writer can affirm that nothing matches up to great colleagues and a good working environment. Mondays are not so blue and the week ends with a sense of satisfaction ushered in by teamwork and goals achieved together. We recognise such camaraderie and respect that tennis champ Roger Ferderer received from his peers as he bade farewell at his last match at Laver Cup on September 23. As a clip of Rafael Nadal, his long-time adversary, getting emotional at the farewell becomes the poster for mutual respect amidst rivalry, we probe if such an equation can exist in the corporate world, especially within competitive environments, and the impact it may have on one’s perspective, career, mental health, and legacy. Three experts provide a toolkit to help us gain the respect of our colleagues. 

Kashmira Sangoi