Human being is a social animal evolving continuously. Apart from various Darwinian factors of evolution, there are some abstract occurrences of daily life that lead to gradual development of human beings. Everyone wishes to achieve something in proportion to his capacity and capabilities. It can be termed as “individual ambition” by virtue of which a person works towards attainment of a particular goal. As far as the efforts made in this direction are personal there is no problem. Conflicts arise when personal ambitions are to be accommodated in group activities. There exists a general theory stating that personal ambitions in a group help in increasing the output of the group as whole, owing to the incessant urge of its members to excel. It might be true on papers, but I personally feel that such is not always the case especially when the group consists of assorted members. Practical reality is far away from the conceived postulations.
Here arises the need of analysing the role of personal ambition while working in a group. Generally, personal ambition is confused with egocentric behavioural tendencies wherein “my” or “I” blatantly precedes “we.” This inherent dichotomy vitiates the very essence of formation of group deviating it from the goals it ought to achieve. Megalomaniacal search for getting the credit of doing the work generates dissatisfaction amongst the group members and the peers who are largely affected by it. Chaos is natural consequence in such situations which has very low ignition point. Once incited its hard to douse off!! Nothing is more detrimental than internal conflicts which results in implosion of the system. It is a universal fact that every person differs in attributes and capabilities and works accordingly. Naturally, someone will be better than other and vice-versa.
Group work ideally requires balancing of these conflicting interests only. It requires proper accommodation of diverse streams. Utilisation of varied talents and specialties should be done in a way which satisfies the requirements of the task as well as fulfils the ambition of all. Participatory approach, therefore, is the best option which must be adopted sagaciously. A leader should never project himself as if he is the sole repository of the authority. Decentralisation of power coupled with wise division of labour infuses a sense of satisfaction and a sense of dignified involvement in the process. Such an approach inoculates the whole series of events with phenomenal amount of energy which obviates possibility of dissent. Output received in such condition is much more beneficial than one received working amidst the cacophony of dissenting voices- both active and passive. Moreover, it induces faith in every person to work in group to produce optimal results by harnessing the individual ambitions. Hence, personal ambitions should be a medium to achieve a goal. It must not become so large so as to engulf the task at hand as well as belief of the people associated with it.
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