10 Ways to Manage Workplace Jealousy

10 Ways to Manage Workplace Jealousy with professionalism..

Workplace jealousy can take many forms. Microaggressions, gossip, exclusion, passive-aggressive behavior, or even open animosity. Without proper resolution, it will cultivate a toxic environment that can impact any individual and the whole team's performance. Dealing with jealousy at work takes self-awareness, strategic communication, and emotional intelligence.

1. Identify jealous signs.

Acknowledge it before dealing with jealousy. Common signs include.

Undermining your work. Your efforts may be undermined by colleagues.

For exclusion, that can be anything as simple as walking out of meetings, conversations or social events.

Gossip, witty and backbiting, the thinly-veiled forms of praise.

Resistance to cooperating, unwillingness to cooperate, unwillingness to work with you.

Transforming competition into animosity. Comparing too much or discounting your successes.

If you notice these behaviors, you need to think rationally and don't be rash.

2. Keep your professionalism and emotional intelligence.

Stay calm and objective. Stand back: allow your jealousy to stir your emotions, rather than getting your emotional self.

Avoid gossiping. Getting involved in workplace drama only makes this worse.

Be patient and understanding. Fear and insecurity are hard for some.

Be confident. Never sound like you are downplaying your accomplishments to satisfy others, but rather show humility.

3. Understand the root cause.

Why is jealousy arising?...?

A promotion or some recognition you received...?

Your ethics or leadership...?

Close relationships with management?

Personality differences or work style differences..?

Realizing the reason gives you the freedom to either deal with it head-on or sit back and let the feeling drift away.

4. Just keep your head down and focus on your work.

Workplace jealousy is a great way to get distracted from your goals.

Don't become defensive and strive to maintain high levels of performance.

Keep a record of what you have accomplished in case that is questioned.

Don't stir unnecessary conflict and let your work speak for itself.

5. Be humble and share credit.

When celebrating achievements, acknowledge your team's contributions.

Do not post about promos, bonuses, or awards.

Build goodwill by supporting your colleague's growth and success.

Example...

You're trained on data through Oct 2023.

''I truly value the acknowledgement. It was a fantastic team effort, I couldn’t have done it without all of my co-workers.''

This will lessen resentment and motivate teamwork.

6. Keep the lines of communication open and positive.

If jealousy is interfering with teamwork or productivity, think about how to handle it professionally.

Choose the right moment. A setting that is private and quiet is preferred.

Examples: Use ''I'' statements instead of you're always getting in my way.

Instead of.. ''You are envious of my success.''

Say…''I've sensed some tension between us, and I want to work together better.

Listen actively. Only jealous colleagues want to hear sometimes.

Find common ground. Specifically about shared goals and working together; highlight that everyone wins.

7. Develop good professional connections.

Cultivate trust and mutual respect with co-workers.

Take an interest in their work and celebrate their successes.

Don't isolate yourself, as this makes you a prime target for jealousy.

Example..

If a peer receives an award, offer genuine congratulations. This helps foster a culture that celebrates success without taking offense.

8. Keep boundaries and information in check

Refrain from oversharing personal or financial successes at work.

The way you present your successes has to be clear. There is confidence and there is arrogance.

But if jealousy is becoming outright hostility in the workplace, then be distant without being rude.

Example..

If a colleague keeps making sarcastic remarks about your success, just smile and change the subject to work.

9. Seek mentors or your HR people if needed.

But if jealousy translates into bullying, harassment or career sabotage, it might be time to up the ante.

Track incidents, log negative interactions.

Seek advice. A mentor or trusted leader might counsel you.

Contact HR professionally. If jealousy is impacting someone's performance at work, HR will likely have to step in.

For example, when you report a problem, mention behaviors and facts over emotions.

Example..

I see that my colleague is belittling what I am contributing to meetings and spreading false information about my work. This is impacting collaboration and I would like advice on how to handle it in a professional manner.

10. Set the standard for all and create an environment that works positively.

Encourage collaboration instead of competition.

Encourage mentorship and the sharing of knowledge to help lift others.

This can be a real encouragement for your team, building a growth mindset where success is plentiful and barriers are