Jealous much?: 7 ways to not let envy of others ruin your career
Professional jealousy can be disruptive in the workplace, causing tension and strained relationships. If not dealt with, it can potentially harm productivity and the overall workplace atmosphere. Here are some strategies for managing professional jealousy:
Know thyself:
Recognize your feelings and try to understand where they’re coming from. Jealousy stems from feeling inadequate or overlooked. Instead of being consumed by these feelings, use them as a motivation to improve your skills, build your competencies or seek additional responsibilities.
Work well with others:
Workplace environments should emphasize teamwork over competition. By focusing on the team’s goals rather than individual success, you may be able to reduce feelings of jealousy.
Welcome everyone:
If, as a manager, you notice jealousy within your team, be sure that you’re recognizing the achievements of all team members. It’s important to create an environment where everyone feels valued.
Talk it out:
If you’re comfortable doing so, express your feelings to the person you’re jealous of or your supervisor. This conversation should be respectful and professional, focusing on your feelings and career aspirations rather than blaming or criticizing others.
Professional development: Managers should ensure employees have clear, attainable goals and understand what they need to do to move up within the company. If not, seek guidance from your manager or from an HR representative to learn what options are available to improve your skill set.
Resolve conflicts: If jealousy is causing serious conflict, it may be helpful to involve a neutral third party, like HR or a workplace mediator. They can facilitate discussions, clarify misunderstandings and help find solutions.
Be in the moment: Practice being present and appreciating what you have. Mindfulness exercises can help manage feelings of jealousy. Additionally, expressing gratitude for what you’ve achieved can also shift your perspective.