Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain piece of mind.

-Buddha

Way back then, elders used to tell us that every moment of our lives entails another unique experience, and as for me,workplace is no exception. In addition, sometimes, unforgettable happenings comes from the bad ones. In fact, growing up will show you different types of attitude, persona, and such from every person you will encounter. Do know that not everyone is bound to like you and vice versa.

     A research from the University of British Columbia shows that managers should keep team members connected and engaged to avoid workplace sabotage. It is Co-authored by UBC Sauder School of Business Professor Karl Aquino, the study reveals that envious employees are more likely to undermine peers if they feel disconnected from others. Moreover, envious workmates can affect not just other people but also the company itself.

     There are a lot of bizarre office stories- from the old office mate harassing the new one’s to make their first month a living hell and the boss who will exclude your team’s contribution and own the project as his own idea. These are just one of the common things that are usual for some and unusual for a few. It might be exaggerating but it surely is possible. The similarity of fairy tale and real world is that there will always be an antagonist in every story and the difference is that not all of the endings end with happiness.

     The good news? There will always be a solution for every problem. We just have to know where and when to start. Obstacles can be minimized if you know how to properly address them. But do know that each one of us requires different way of actions. It is inevitable to have a few office mates who will envy your capabilities especially if from the start, you already impressed your boss.

     Here are some tips to help you deal with envious workmates:

1. Always remember that you look cool when you are calm. Talking calmly might ease and lessen the tension hovering above you and your office mates head. Losing your temper is not the best way to get him/her to collaborate with you. Never forget that keeping a robust enemy is not a good start and never will. Given these points, when the person you are dealing with sees that you are calm in spite of whatever he/she is doing, you will start getting their attention.
2. You should try to understand the person’s intention or the reason why he/she is being difficult. Because, I believe that no matter who is the reason of your suffering, there will always be an underlying reason to that. Additionally, there are plenty of reasons why people do that and one of those reason is maybe because they are jealous of what you can offer. We already know that most of us are after promotion not to mention the additional salary it provides. Probably, he/she sees you as a threat to that boosterism.
3. Gather some perspectives from others. It is possible that your friends, colleagues, managers and significant others experienced similar situations in some way or another. Meaning to say, you are capable of garnering different perspectives from different angles that will allow you to think of a proper and righteous action on that particular situation. All in all, you might find some golden advice in amidst of the conversation.
4. You should learn to treat the person with respect despite what he/she is doing. I know that respect is earned not given but this situation deserves an exception! Have you ever heard of the saying that “Do unto others as you would have them undo to you”? Basically, one of the fastest ways to soften his/her heart is by showing some respect no matter what happened.
5. Focus on what your action should be. Always remember that a well-planned actions ended up with an outstanding result. Be patient and cautious in every step of the way.

     In the final analysis, approaching everything in a good way makes a healthy living and fortifies good relationship. Envying your workmate will never help you to standout instead it will make you look desperate. Remove negativity and replace it with positivity. Always look out for the brighter side regardless of the pain it may inflict into yourself. Be matured enough to face your problems. And remember that in a workplace, you should work as a team not the other way around.

Continue reading “THAWING ENVY”

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

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