CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE ON LINKEDIN Envy our intrinsic biological attribute, we can experience these behaviours at any time where our position is below that of a colleague, friend or family member. The fundamental root of envy (or jealousy) is that it stems from emotional response. Take for instance your social standing in the office or online this somehow determines where you stand in relation to others. Why are we so envious of those whom which we associate with? Surely the fact that there is a common factor involved that is the similarities we share should not make us envious rather cooperative? We seem to attract friends that hold resembling values and interests yet we are envious or jealous of their success - an issue for the office and life. “I can only say that whatever my life and work have been, I’m not envious of anyone – and this is my biggest satisfaction” Roman Polanski Workplace envy or 'change management'? Many board meetings take place behind closed doors. In the modern workplace, adversaries are on your patch whether you know it or not, your best friend or colleague may develop a little envy and you might find yourself out of a job! So one day, your boss calls in, you’re now on your way to his or her office… it seems a colleague has expressed interest in your position and you are now required to re-apply or look elsewhere for a job… is this envy or what we now call ‘change management’? In recent years I have experienced a number of management regimes however nothing that shocked or surprised me more than the use of the words ‘change management’ in place of 'workplace bullying'. I have knowledge and practice of the concept of change management however it seemed it to me a pretence for choosing some staff over others rather than matching the correct skill set to the desired outcome e.g. profitability or sustainability. Many months passed as I watched this ‘change management’ occur, there was a fear amongst the employees and they were often cautious about talking to others… a pattern seemed to have emerged whereby the ‘popular’ employees were moving into management positions with or without experience. Of course, this in my mind was questionable with years of experience and possessing the required skills or qualifications others couldn’t possibly have been given positions above me? I developed envy towards those who in my view were clearly not competent to fill the roles for which they were employed… but then I sat down and thought, well what do I really care? So is envy really a bad thing? After many years of being the ‘younger’ head of department I often wondered why my friends and colleagues judged me – I worked just as hard as they did, I applied for the position just as they could have and despite my age being a factor of jealousy I had experience and produced results. I was a popular teacher and leader often the envy of others. When I think back to rationalise his or her envy, I find myself wasting time, it simply cannot be rationalised by anyone other than its creator. Envy is an emotional response it does not solve the issue. I mean who cares that I’m young and earning more? But if it motivates you to be better than me or to get ahead then surely it’s not a bad thing... or is it? Where’s the scapegoat? Well if you’re employing staff you have legal obligations and not to mention your employees have certain rights. It would be wrong of you to dismiss someone because you want to give the jealous party a chance… but you could disguise it as ‘change management’ right? Let’s place unnecessary pressure on you, unrealistic deadlines and targets – surely at some stage you will no longer be ‘competent’ to hold the position... so now the jealous guy wins and your boss is free from any claims of workplace bullying or harassment. Consider the case of Ali Baba, when he is the only one knowing the secret of the treasure in the cave and how to access it. The leader, disguised as an oil seller stayed with Ali Baba. He had brought along mules loaded with forty oil jars containing the other thieves… envy helps us realise our standing on the social grid, it can help us create alliances yet also lead us to riches no one else knows of…. Over the years I have been approached by a number of firms and education establishments to join their team, despite their generous salaries and offers I declined. On reflection I am glad I did, I am now my own boss and thrive to create a business ethos that harnesses input rather than yields envy amongst staff. My Business is built on the bond of trust and compassion for others.
What are your thoughts about envy good for the workplace or not? Are you jealous? Join Us. Become an associate lets care about education and making real progress: http://www.learningtutor.co.uk/approved-associates.html Coming soon: www.CompassionEd.com Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Baba
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