In the world of politics, strategy is everything. But even the most brilliant political strategy can collapse under the weight of internal competition. While healthy debate and differing ideas can enrich a team, unchecked rivalry within political circles—whether during a campaign or within an administration—can be disastrous.

Too often, political teams fall into the trap of trying to outshine one another. Aides, allies, and even advisers jockey for attention, credit, or the favor of a candidate or elected official. The result? Confusion, disunity, and wasted opportunity.

Competition may energize individuals, but it fractures campaigns. One team pushes a particular message; another promotes a different direction. One group builds alliances quietly, while another makes noise for visibility. In the end, the candidate suffers—not because the strategy is weak, but because there is no unified execution.

Take, for instance, the infighting during Hillary Clinton’s 2008 primary campaign. Reports revealed that her advisers were split into factions that disagreed on messaging and strategy, leading to internal memo wars and media leaks. The lack of coordination ultimately weakened the campaign’s momentum and handed Barack Obama the advantage.

In the Philippines, a recent example can be found in some local and national campaigns during the 2022 elections, where candidates surrounded themselves with multiple, competing communication teams. As a result, messaging became inconsistent—some emphasized the candidate’s “platform of unity,” while others resorted to aggressive personal attacks. The strategy was diluted, and instead of attracting broader support, the campaign alienated swing voters.

This kind of internal rivalry does not disappear after the campaign. During governance, it becomes even more dangerous. Competing camps within an administration slow down decision-making, duplicate efforts, and sometimes even sabotage each other—all in the name of “being right” or “being seen.” Political capital is spent not on programs, but on internal drama.

But perhaps the most damaging scenario is when unqualified individuals take control of critical roles. When people without the necessary expertise insist on leading complex tasks they barely understand—such as strategic communications, data analysis, planning, or public engagement—they don’t just fail; they also undermine the efforts of those who know what they’re doing. Smart ideas are shelved. Effective strategies are ignored. And the credibility of the campaign—or the elected leader’s administration—suffers.

Political and communication strategies must be consistent, coordinated, and driven by a unified game plan. Every message, action, and initiative should reinforce the same core narrative. When everyone on the team operates under a shared vision, the approach becomes clearer, stronger, and more effective in reaching and persuading the public. These critical elements are often weakened or even destroyed by unqualified individuals driven by competition.

Let’s be brutally honest: the root of this competition is often insecurity—from individuals who want to be indispensable, who crave proximity to power, or who feel threatened by the competence of others. But this kind of self-serving ambition is the enemy of good strategy and effective leadership.

So what should be done?

First, recognize that strategy thrives on unity. A campaign or administration can’t succeed when its people pull in opposite directions.

Second, let competence lead. Let the communicators communicate, the planners plan, and the organizers organize. If you are not the expert, don’t take control.

Third, cultivate a culture of trust, humility, and shared credit. Celebrate wins together.

Lastly, leaders must set boundaries. Allowing competition weakens unity, but demanding cooperation and rewarding results strengthens the team.

Mike Manalaysay is the founder and editor-in-chief of Arkipelago News. A seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience, he is committed to defending truth and justice and holding those in power accountable.

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