If envy were tangible, it would look like a boomerang. This is because it is one of the most self-destructive emotions that hurts just the man who throws it. Of course nobody, whether in private life or in the workplace, is willing to admit feeling envy. It means to admit to a lot of guilt, shame and embarrassment.
Studies confirm that we most envy those who we consider similar to us, but who, for some reason, do better than us in certain areas of life, like professionally. What can you do if you are feeling jealousy in the workplace? More importantly, how can you use it to your advantage? This question was answered by the Open Forum website.
Envy as a call to action
If you or your employees are envious, do not view it as a bad emotion. Consider instead how to use it to motivate and inspire your business. If you can suppress the negative effects, you may get incredible positive energy that can be directed to fulfill your objectives.
Focus on your own achievements
Do not focus solely on the achievements of others. If you constantly compare yourself negatively to their achievements it will only cause you grief. The best remedy is to be working so hard, that you do not have time to envy the development of others. Work just for the sheer pleasure of expected results and do the best you can. Then the achievements of others will not discourage you.
Think about the trade-offs
Once we compare ourselves with others, we usually see only the good and the positive results. Unfortunately, we do not see all the compromises and sacrifices that these successful people had to make to get where they are. Try to think about it as a trade off.
And what about the workplace?
It is hard to know how organizational behavior can inadvertently invoke jealousy within the team. It is therefore important as a mangers, to be fair regarding the valuation of individual employees and the attribution of rewards. Do not use praise as a means of manipulating others.
Importantly, one German study presented some interesting findings about Facebook which states that passive Facebook users tend to succumb easily to envy because of others positive and successful statuses posts.
Great exercises to overcome envy are small gestures that you show towards the success of others. Send congratulations for promotion of a colleague or appreciate his contribution. Do not worry, praising his success will not hurt you.
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