Root CauseJealousy Toward ColleaguesAnd its Solutions in the Workplace
In this competitive world, feelings of jealousy are more common than ever, even among colleagues. This can harm both themselves and others. That’s why in this article fromSelMagzwe will explore the main causes of jealousy at work and share ways to help you stop feeling jealous in the workplace.
Reasons for Jealousy in the Workplace
The Feeling of Jealousy and Childlike Behavior
First, we need to understand the concept of personality in psychology. Every person’s personality has three parts: the parent, the adult, and the child, each with its own characteristics and contents.
The first part is our parent personality, which includes support, kindness, care, criticism, and punishment. We inherit this from our parents. The second part is our adult or logical side.
The adult reacts to external events and helps protect ourselves and others from future troubles caused by wrong decisions. Lastly, the child part contains all our feelings and emotions. Jealousy can be linked to our child personality.
Jealousy and Authoritarian Parents
People who feel jealousy often had authoritarian parents whose need for attention and affectionate words was not fully met during childhood. Strict parents may have compared their children to others and told them, “You’re not good enough” or “Others are better,” and these words can impact a person’s entire life. Over time, jealousy becomes a fundamental part of their life.
Those who experienced disappointment as children and developed feelings of jealousy might, in the workplace, when a coworker performs well, recall childhood memories and blame their parents. Therefore,Negative EmotionsTheir adult thoughts are affected, and their mind becomes filled with jealousy. In this state, we say that their adult personality has been contaminated by their inner child.
To get rid of this problem, the person should first make a list of their strengths and weaknesses at work to better understand themselves. When they do this, they realize that mistakes are part of human nature, and they should not blame themselves for errors. Everyone has limitations, and they should focus on their strengths instead of constantly dwelling on what they lack.
How to prevent feeling jealous of a coworker?
Know your weaknesses
To overcome jealousy at work, improve your self-awareness by listing your abilities and weaknesses. This helps you understand that mistakes are normal and that you shouldn’t blame yourself. Avoid constantly thinking about what you don’t have.
Remember that your coworker is also a human being
You and your coworkers are in similar situations. You wake up in the morning, go to work, aim for success, and return home. Both of you are human and quite similar.
Both of you make mistakes. You might think everything is against you and that your coworker is very lucky; however, don’t fall for this thinking. Your coworker also has bad days and isn’t always happy.
Don’t forget your own abilities
Remember what talents and potentials you possess. Sometimes your coworker might envy your talents but won’t say so openly. Remember that you deserve good things. Don’t let forgetting your abilities cause jealousy toward your coworker.
Evaluate your mind
Experts suggest you should assess your own mind. Know your potential and strengths, and be aware of your own qualities so that you don’t envy your coworker’s luck or success. If you have negative thoughts, examine the root of these feelings.
Talk openly with your manager about your concerns. Never avoid doing anything, and always look for motivating ways to improve yourself. Overall, focus on developing your personality.
Think about the things you share with others
Remember that jealousy prevents you from being professional in your work. We can’t create love and respect in others, but we can develop those qualities within ourselves. Focus on eliminating jealousy and remind yourself you are in the same position as your coworker. So, don’t envy someone who is similar to you.
Compliment Yourself
Never blame yourself, and give yourself positive feedback to build confidence.Self-ConfidenceBoost your self-esteem and seek healthy validation from others.
Plan for Your Growth
Instead of constantly feeling jealous, focus on your progress and self-improvement in all aspects of life. Think about what changes can bring you success, consider the negative effects of jealousy, take small effective steps, try different projects, express your ideas out loud, or sign up for a class to learn a new skill. Improving yourself quickly leaves no room for jealousy.
