Sharing Victories

Remember the first time someone was mean to you? Remember what your parents said? “Don’t worry about it. They’re just jealous.” The unfortunate thing about jealousy is that it doesn’t end in adolescence – and it sometimes follows you into your professional life. Jealousy manifests in many different ways, and every time, it creates an ugly work environment. Fortunately, there are some tips to combat it.

1. Learn how to be happy for other people. If someone gets a raise or promotion, it isn’t in spite of you. It’s likely because they worked hard and deserved it. If you embrace the successes of others, you won’t spend precious time dwelling on how you didn’t get the same thing. Your first reaction should be to congratulate them, and if you wish you had gotten that promotion instead, figure out how you can produce the results that get you there the next time.
2. Be an advocate. When you are constantly searching for your own cheering section, you’re going to constantly be let down. It isn’t because people don’t like you, but it’s because they have been conditioned in the same manner you have. Instead, focus on being the cheering section for your coworkers. Encourage them to do better, work harder, and work smarter – and when they do a good job, tell them! If you focus on the advancement of others, trust me that it will affect you positively. You will have a stronger team around you and the entire organization will benefit.
3. Learn how to turn on your mute button. A work environment that consists of people constantly back-stabbing and gossiping about others is not a happy one or a productive one. The only thing you can control is yourself and how you react in a situation. If you can’t change it, stop fixating on it and move on – preferably without the entire office knowing your negative opinions.
4. Know when to move on. You might find yourself in a situation where you absolutely can’t get over the fact that all of the bad employees are getting rewarded. Heck, this is DC – the city where many people fail upward. If it bothers you to the point where you dwell on it, it is time to look for new employment. Hopefully, you can find a place that values long-term results and not temporary short-term gains.

There is value in being a nice person who genuinely hopes for other people to succeed and rejoices in their successes. The conservative and liberty movements should be tight-knit and we should always have each other’s backs – if we’re busy tearing each other down, who will beat the statists?

Patti Simpson is director of career services for the Leadership Institute.