competing commitments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competing commitments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations where an individual has conflicting obligations or priorities that compete for their attention or resources. Example: "In her pursuit of a promotion, she faced competing commitments between her work responsibilities and her family obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Overcoming immunity to change starts with uncovering competing commitments.

Harvard Business Review

But competing commitments should not be seen as weaknesses.

Harvard Business Review

When you let go of hidden, competing commitments, progress and partnerships will follow.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said he had decided against it because of competing commitments.

The New York Times

There are logistical reasons for this, including time constraints and competing commitments.

The New York Times - Health

First, managers guide employees through a set of questions designed to uncover competing commitments.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In short, while John was genuinely committed to working well with his colleagues, he had an equally powerful competing commitment to keeping his distance.

Harvard Business Review

They're unwittingly putting energy toward a competing commitment.

Harvard Business Review

Often, the issue is that a perfectly noble competing commitment is undermining your motivation.

Harvard Business Review

Even though uncovering a competing commitment can open up a host of new concerns, the discovery offers hope for finally accomplishing the primary, stated commitment.

Harvard Business Review

Instead, even as they hold a sincere commitment to change, many people are unwittingly applying productive energy toward a hidden competing commitment.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "competing commitments" to understand why individuals struggle to meet goals. Recognizing these hidden commitments allows for more effective strategies to overcome inertia.

Common error

Don't just focus on the logistical or practical aspects of "competing commitments". Acknowledge the emotional and psychological factors that drive these commitments, such as fear, self-protection, or deeply held beliefs. Addressing these underlying emotions can lead to more effective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competing commitments" functions as a noun phrase often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It identifies conflicting obligations or priorities that hinder progress towards a stated goal. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Formal & Business

26.27%

News & Media

32.2%

Science

25.42%

Less common in

Academia

16.95%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competing commitments" is a noun phrase denoting conflicting obligations or priorities that impede progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in formal and professional contexts such as business, news, science and academic discussions. Identifying and addressing these "competing commitments" is crucial for understanding resistance to change and fostering personal and organizational growth. To effectively use the expression make sure to acknowledge emotional and psychological facets and also explore alternative phrasing like "conflicting priorities" or "rival obligations" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting priorities

Emphasizes the prioritization aspect of commitments.

competing demands

Focuses on the demands placed on someone or something and their competitive nature.

rival obligations

Highlights the obligatory nature and conflict between them.

clashing responsibilities

Focuses on the responsibilities involved and their incompatibility.

contradictory demands

Highlights the opposing nature of the demands.

overlapping duties

Stresses that duties are happening at the same time creating competition.

opposing agendas

Focuses on conflicting plans or objectives.

conflicting loyalties

Emphasizes the emotional or ethical conflict associated with divided loyalties.

divergent goals

Highlights different and potentially conflicting objectives.

dual responsibilities

Implies two significant responsibilities that may create conflict.

FAQs

How can I identify my own "competing commitments"?

Start by listing your goals and then honestly assess what you might be doing to undermine them. Ask yourself what fears or assumptions might be driving these self-sabotaging behaviors. Tools like the Immunity to Change map can be helpful.

What's the difference between "competing commitments" and conflicting priorities?

"Competing commitments" are often unconscious and driven by deeper fears or assumptions, whereas "conflicting priorities" are usually a conscious choice between different demands on your time and resources.

How do "competing commitments" affect organizational change?

They can create resistance to change, even when employees intellectually understand the need for it. Uncovering these hidden commitments is crucial for overcoming inertia and fostering buy-in.

What strategies can I use to address "competing commitments" in my team?

Create a safe space for open communication and honest self-reflection. Use techniques like questioning assumptions and reframing perspectives to help team members identify and challenge their "conflicting loyalties" and fears.