Human beings are quite complicated, and those complications don’t stop when we punch our time cards. Your coworkers will likely bring all of their problems and insecurities with them to the office – and you need to be prepared to navigate all of them. One of the most difficult emotions you will have to deal with at work is jealousy – but you can’t stop shining at work to make others happy. Let’s take a look at how to deal with a jealous coworker.
Identify her fears. Jealousy is directly derived from insecurity, and insecure feelings are a result of fear. You must attempt to determine what it is about you that your coworker fears. Is she afraid that she’ll never reach the level you have attained? Does she worry that your boss prefers you over her? If you can figure out a clear reason why she’s afraid of you, you can start taking steps to nullify that fear.
Invite her in. Once you pinpoint why your coworker feels threatened by you, you can make simple statements around the office to change her mind about the situation. If she is stuck in her position and unsure of how to earn a promotion, ask her to assist on a project so you can share your success secrets. If she’s threatened by how personable you are in the office, invite her and some fellow coworkers out for coffee and include her in the conversation.
Let her see the real you. All fears often boil down to a fear of the unknown, so you may find it helpful to let your coworker know more about you. A direct attempt at friendship isn’t always a good idea. Instead, try “leaking” information slowly to your coworker. Allow her to overhear or learn information that shows you’re human, just like the rest of us. This doesn’t mean you should reveal information that you coworker could use against you; simply show that you aren’t a threat to her or her job.
–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach
