Alexis Senge Johnson
Jealousy can be a slippery slope; especially at work. I work in an industry where there is a lot of movement – up the ladder, down the ladder, and laterally. Therefore, I do my best to be excited for those around me who get opportunities even if I was hoping to score them myself. It can be difficult knowing that someone else beat me out for a gig, but it just means I wasn’t the best person for the job at the time.
I’ve learned that if you waste your time on jealousy then you’ll find that you’re only competing in your head and against yourself. Often the person you’re jealous about doesn’t even know that is the case, so it is just wasted energy that you could be focusing on improving so you get the next gig. Instead, just celebrate with your colleague or at least be professionally respectful of their opportunity. It’s not only the right thing to do, but you’ll find that it sets you apart from those that chose the jealous route.
Opportunities will come and go. Hopefully some I will get, but I acknowledge that some will go to others I work with. It’s what makes us all stronger as a leadership staff and betters our common goal to serve the purpose of our areas. Although, it’s not like I’m suggesting that I don’t go home and retreat into my own half gallon of Moose Tracks ice cream after being passed up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still human. However, I will still congratulate the person who got the opportunity and start looking for what I can do to improve. What do you do to keep jealousy from creeping in at work?
