It is possible that while you are taking a huge leap towards advancement in your career you attract negative behavior from colleagues who due to some reason have not succeeded in reaching at the position you are in. Rude comments, envious glances and an effort to ruin your work can be the after effect of jealousy in the workplace. Learning how to deal with jealousy in the workplace can help you in staying positive even while bearing workplace negativity.
Keep interactions at workplace professional
To utter bad words vehemently at someone may definitely sound tempting but it actually reduces professionalism. Moreover, it also inspires others to stick on to their jealous attitude. It is very necessary to keep your body language right to avoid situations wherein you act immaturely. Hence, it is advisable for you to avoid too much conversation with jealous colleagues to avoid any kind of enmity.
Display non competitive behavior with your colleagues
Your colleagues can be jealous of you if they have an impression that you are being antagonistic. If you are antagonistic, its high time you realize this fact that your colleagues are those with whom you need to work harmoniously to get the job done well and on time instead of thinking of them as competitors and make conscious effort to undermine their effort in front of the boss for your own benefit. This will cast a good impression on your colleagues and instead of being threatened by you, they will take you as a team player. The same formula can be applied when you are not actually antagonistic but your colleagues perceive you that way.
Try and be friendly with your colleagues
One of the main reason for jealousy in the workplace can be when your colleagues start thinking that you have shut them out. This can arise due to less interaction and not engaging them in your discussions or not hanging out with them. This makes them feel rejected as compared to those who come in your good books. In this case even if you don’t like such colleague of yours don’t make it that obvious in front of them. This can become easy if you keep yourself in the position of your colleague and try assuming the wrath of rejection. Try finding out topics liked by both and which can be discussed upon.
Praise your colleagues
Jealousy in the workplace can also stem from the fact if they in any way think that they are inferior and do not feel proud about their achievements till date. It is very natural to feel so when they think that others are outperforming them. You can act as a reliever. All you have to do is praise them when their work is commendable. Admiration and appreciation on a regular basis can help them overcome their inferiority complex and motivate them to keep doing better work. The appreciation will boost up their confidence and this will surely reduce jealousy to a great extent.
Use straightforward language to confront jealous colleagues
Confrontations can very well not be enjoyed by you but straightforward discussion can to a great extent help lessen jealousy in the workplace. A chance to vent out the feelings can result in letting both of you clear past differences and move forward with clear conscience. His personality and your work relationship should affect your approach towards him. For example, there will be a difference in your approach towards a reserved fellow team member and your boss. A new beginning can be thought of by talking, probably asking your colleague to join you for an informal lunch and then talk things out maturely.
