ABSTRACT
There is considerable evidence among authors’ clients leading “idealistic” organisations that ambition, competition, and power are seen as dirty words describing undesirable and destructive characteristics often denied in themselves and attributed to others whom they would not wish to emulate. Ambition, competition, and power were no longer for her destructive forces interfering with purpose, but potential sources of strength which could be harnessed in the interests of a larger purpose. Competition can feel murderous, while ambition is too readily equated with being self-serving, therefore jarring with one’s ego ideal. Indeed, one element that attracts some people to work in “idealistic” organisations might be a compelling reparative drive linked to unconscious guilt and anxiety that one has damaged others. Indeed, personal ambition and internal competition are often encouraged, because they can serve the interests of an organisation that needs to aim high and beat competitors.
