Among today’s most prized leadership qualities: playing nicely

Job interview

JULIE Sweet won a recent internal race to take command of consulting giant Accenture PLC for many reasons. Among the most unique: She excelled at praising colleagues she competed against for the top job, an individual familiar with Accenture said.

Getting along well with your peers counts for a lot when you vie for the same plum promotion. Your management career may benefit even if you lose the race. Yet it can be hard to cooperate and compete at the same time.