My boss praises me, my colleagues are jealous
13 February 2009
Read by 1691 persons
My manager pays me a lot of attention and praises my merits to my colleagues. This makes me very happy, but it triggers jealousy and competition in my team. Should I discuss this situation with him?
Your question is interesting, because most of the people who write to me talk more about the lack of recognition from their boss. They suffer from it, and it's normal: recognition at work is an essential factor of motivation and good psychological health. Moreover, a manager who recognizes his employees is often considered competent and concerned about the well-being of his team.
In your case, the difficulty is that your immediate superior seems to err by excess of recognition. And it is well known: "Too much is like not enough". Practicing a policy of recognition at work, yes, but with discernment. It is necessary to choose the right moments, weigh one's words and measure their impact on the targeted people, but also on colleagues.
It seems important to me that your boss does not put you on a pedestal and therefore does not make you a privileged person or the "boss's favorite". I understand that you feel uncomfortable. You are right to want to talk to him. Your manager must understand that if the situation continues, your discomfort is likely to increase and so will your colleagues' dissatisfaction. Risk of interpersonal conflicts in sight!
Talk to your boss
I advise you to talk to your boss. Don't rush things. First, schedule an appointment to make sure you have his full attention when you address this sensitive topic. Express your gratitude for the recognition and trust he shows you. Since you are talking to him about your concerns, you can continue the discussion by emphasizing that you would prefer him to express his satisfaction face-to-face and a little less publicly. Don't tell him that his behavior bothers you; this could hurt him, and he might take it badly. Explain to him that you are delighted but uncomfortable when recognition is expressed publicly. Given his management style, I'm pretty sure he'll welcome your request.
During the discussion, your boss will have to realize that the way he uses recognition can create jealousy within the work team. However, it is to be hoped that he is not acting in this way to motivate other employees; the consequences of his actions are more likely to lead to demotivation, a sense of injustice, and a deterioration of the work climate.
You have a good boss, I'm pretty sure. When you have explained your point of view, he will certainly understand that he must better distribute his gestures and words of recognition among all his employees.
Posted on February 13, 2009
lexpansion.com
Your question is interesting, because most of the people who write to me talk more about the lack of recognition from their boss. They suffer from it, and it's normal: recognition at work is an essential factor of motivation and good psychological health. Moreover, a manager who recognizes his employees is often considered competent and concerned about the well-being of his team.
In your case, the difficulty is that your immediate superior seems to err by excess of recognition. And it is well known: "Too much is like not enough". Practicing a policy of recognition at work, yes, but with discernment. It is necessary to choose the right moments, weigh one's words and measure their impact on the targeted people, but also on colleagues.
It seems important to me that your boss does not put you on a pedestal and therefore does not make you a privileged person or the "boss's favorite". I understand that you feel uncomfortable. You are right to want to talk to him. Your manager must understand that if the situation continues, your discomfort is likely to increase and so will your colleagues' dissatisfaction. Risk of interpersonal conflicts in sight!
Talk to your boss
I advise you to talk to your boss. Don't rush things. First, schedule an appointment to make sure you have his full attention when you address this sensitive topic. Express your gratitude for the recognition and trust he shows you. Since you are talking to him about your concerns, you can continue the discussion by emphasizing that you would prefer him to express his satisfaction face-to-face and a little less publicly. Don't tell him that his behavior bothers you; this could hurt him, and he might take it badly. Explain to him that you are delighted but uncomfortable when recognition is expressed publicly. Given his management style, I'm pretty sure he'll welcome your request.
During the discussion, your boss will have to realize that the way he uses recognition can create jealousy within the work team. However, it is to be hoped that he is not acting in this way to motivate other employees; the consequences of his actions are more likely to lead to demotivation, a sense of injustice, and a deterioration of the work climate.
You have a good boss, I'm pretty sure. When you have explained your point of view, he will certainly understand that he must better distribute his gestures and words of recognition among all his employees.
Posted on February 13, 2009
lexpansion.com
