Fulton J. Sheen said, “Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.” While harsh, this observation rings particularly true in competitive workplace environments, where success often breeds resentment among colleagues. From subtle undermining to overt hostility, jealousy can poison team dynamics and hinder the progress of your business.
Jealousy is a complex emotion that, in a professional setting, undermines collaboration and productivity. Sometimes you can see or feel it in a palpable way. Other times it’s much more subtle but still harmful.
Businesses, such as law firms, present a particularly stark example of how professional jealousy can manifest. In these environments, some young attorneys eye other attorneys as their competition and may respond negatively to successes experienced by others. In doing so, those who feel inadequate or threatened often direct their frustration toward those who seem to be more successful rather than focusing on their own growth and contributions. This results in damage to the firm’s culture and potentially its bottom line.
Addressing jealousy requires open communication and a culture that values collaboration over competition. All businesses can benefit from implementing mentorship programs that promote knowledge sharing and foster a sense of community among colleagues. These types of programs can help mitigate feelings of jealousy. When individuals see their peers as allies rather than adversaries, the overall morale and productivity of the business can improve significantly.
Instead of viewing colleagues’ achievements as a threat, successful professionals learn to channel their competitive energy into personal growth. I find the most resilient employees understand that another person’s success doesn’t diminish their own potential for success or advancement.
Addressing workplace jealousy is difficult, but possible. Leaders can help by fostering a culture of collaboration over competition. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with each person to acknowledge their jealous feelings and transform them into motivation, thereby turning their envy into inspiration to achieve their best.
