Umona, mona , envy, or jealousy, known in many instances as 'the green-eyed monster' is not just something that happens only among friends and neighbours but also a real issue in the workplace. Experts reveal to ZiMoja what professional jealousy is and how one can overcome it as the victim or victimiser.?
IT IS REAL
Siyasanga Masango, a clinical psychologist based in Johannesburg, says professional jealousy is the constant envy of others who appear more goal-oriented than you, in the professional environment. "This condition or situation is not limited to Africans. It is a universal experience and somehow falls within the bounds of human nature,' Masango says. "It is not something that people often speak about. In some cases, people gas-light or do not believe those who speak about it. People worry that sharing their envious thoughts will make them seem selfish,' Masango adds.?
SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTS
Research has proven that one of the reasons why professional jealousy is thriving is due to the world's growing social media dependence. "Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook do not help in this case as they create more envy and feed the green-eyed monster,' Masango concludes. ?
TURNING BAD INTO GOOD
In a recent research document, Dr. Amanda Ferguson dissects how we can "stop equating professional achievement with self-worth.' She says that "feelings come from thoughts, so it's [professional jealousy] typically related to negative self-talk and self-thinking that is either causing you insecurity or because you are insecure.' She also advises that people take this as an indicator of their professional development rather than just a negative feeling. "It's all about how we reframe these jealousies into opportunities to advance ourselves and understand ourselves,' she explains. ?
EXPERTS ADVICE
Dr. Amanda advises that it is safe to keep feelings of envy at bay. "Managers should be focused on facilitating a well-balanced workspace, one that is encouraging and accommodating to all staff members,' she says. "Co-workers that don't relate well to each other can cause jealousy. Managers must design their teams with this in mind. If they can avoid favouring people by being fair and civil and just, this can help members relate to each other a lot better.' She goes on to say, "If you feel insecure about your skills, learn how to do it ?" teach yourself, get help from an organisational psychologist. If you feel as though you're not talented enough for your job, you're not the right judge. You didn't recruit yourself; your employer did, and they're the only person whose decision matters here,' she adds. "Self-perception is never as accurate as others' perceptions of us. So try not to second-guess the other person's perception of you. Saying that you're 'not good enough' is a fantastic phrase that you can never grapple with because you can't quantify it. It's not concrete.'
