Turning Envy into Empowerment: Navigating Jealousy with Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Nadja El Fertasi
Rebel with Purpose | Championing EQ in the Age of AI ?? | ?? Building Thriving Workplaces | ?? Mental Health | ??? Emotional Firewalls for Families | Speaker, Coach & Trainer | Building the Thrive with EQ Community ??
A decade ago, I experienced a moment in my professional journey that’s still etched in my mind. I was a year into my role as Senior Executive Stakeholder Coordinator, working in a high-visibility position with senior NATO stakeholders. While I was thriving professionally, the undercurrents of jealousy and envy from colleagues painted a stark picture of office politics.
I distinctly remember a group of male colleagues orchestrating a situation to pin a mistake on me right before a major meeting. The blame game was strategic, designed to undermine my credibility. When I found out, I felt the sting of betrayal. But instead of letting it consume me, I took a moment for myself. I went to the bathroom, cried to release the emotions, and then looked in the mirror and said, “I’ll show them who I am. Watch me.”
When it was my turn to speak in the meeting, I calmly presented the facts with integrity, without pointing fingers. By the time I was done, the truth was clear, and my boss saw through the charade. That moment earned me his trust and the respect I deserved.
But navigating the jealousy didn’t get easier—it only grew. Eventually, the toxicity of the workplace, coupled with the demands of raising my son and studying part-time, led me to a breaking point. My body said, “Enough.” It was time to realign with work that energized me, not drained me.
Looking back, I wish I had known then what I know now about emotional intelligence. I’d tell my younger self to stand in her power, thrive with EQ tools, and always prioritize her mental health. That’s the wisdom I’m sharing with you today.
Jealousy: A Universal Emotion
Jealousy and envy are part of the human experience, often arising when we see others with something we deeply desire—be it a role, recognition, or opportunity. While jealousy can stem from fear of losing something valuable, envy often reflects a longing for what others have.
Both emotions are natural, but when left unchecked, they can become toxic. In professional settings, jealousy can damage relationships, fuel unnecessary competition, and even lead to workplace bullying.
This week’s EQ Oasis Theme is about turning jealousy into a tool for self-reflection and growth. With emotional intelligence, we can navigate this emotion constructively—whether we feel it ourselves or find ourselves the target of others’ envy.
Dive deeper into this edition of the Heal with EQ Newsletter to explore strategies for reclaiming confidence and navigating jealousy with grace and integrity.
Welcome to your EQ Oasis Weekly Digest!
Each day this week, we focus on practical tools, reflections, and stories to transform jealousy into empowerment and strengthen your emotional resilience.
Monday: Moonlight Motivation ??
Theme: Introspection and Inner Strength
The moon symbolizes introspection and the unseen parts of ourselves. When we encounter jealousy, it’s often an invitation to look inward. What is this emotion telling us about our values, desires, and insecurities? By reflecting on past experiences, we can uncover the deeper layers of our feelings and transform them into strength.
This Monday, I share my personal story of navigating workplace jealousy and what I would tell my younger self to not just survive but thrive in such situations.
Key Insight:
The judgment and envy of others are rarely about you—they’re often reflections of their own insecurities. By staying grounded in your truth, you can transform external negativity into personal growth.
Affirmation:
"I release what doesn’t serve me. I am grounded, whole, and unshakable in my worth."
<< Watch Full Video Here >>
Tuesday: Mars in Motion ??
Theme: Forgiveness and Liberation
Mars, the planet of action and courage, reminds us that forgiveness is a powerful act of liberation. When we hold onto resentment from others’ jealousy or envy, we give them power over us. Forgiving doesn’t mean condoning—it means releasing the emotional weight so we can move forward freely.
In today’s podcast episode, I share how forgiveness became a key step in reclaiming my emotional freedom and clarity.
Key Insight:
Forgiveness isn’t for them—it’s for you. It breaks the chains that tie you to the hurt and allows you to reclaim your peace.
Actionable Strategy:
Start small. Identify one instance where someone’s envy affected you, and practice releasing it today. Reflect on how this shift feels.
<< Tune in Podcast Here>>
Wednesday: Mercury’s Wisdom ??
Theme: Clarity and Communication
Mercury, the planet of communication, encourages us to speak our truth with clarity and integrity. When facing jealousy—whether we feel it or are the target—it’s essential to communicate with confidence while staying true to our values.
In this week’s Note from Your Future Self, I reflect on what I would say to my younger self as she navigated a workplace filled with jealousy and envy.
Key Insight:
Your voice is your power. Use it to advocate for yourself and set boundaries that honor your worth.
Notes from the Future:
Hey you, I see you.
I see you showing up every day, doing the best you can.
I see you trusting those around you, hoping they’ll have your back.
I see you working overtime, thinking maybe someone will notice the sacrifice.
I see you struggling in silence as they take credit for your work.
I see you holding back, afraid to outshine those who hold the power.
I see you hesitating to speak up, fearing they’ll shut you down again.
I’m sorry—not everyone carries the weight of integrity.
I’m sorry they too are hurting, afraid of losing their place.
I’m sorry you took it so personally, giving away your power.
But let me remind you: you’re in a different place now.
You’ve recognized your worth and found your confidence.
You’ve learned to speak up for yourself, questioning ambiguity with integrity.
You’ve learned to pick your battles and protect your energy.
You’ve developed a resilience as thick as crocodile skin—nothing they say or do can reach the core of who you are.
You’ve learned to stay calm, cool, and collected, mastering emotional self-regulation.
You’ve learned to be the bigger person, rising high when others went low.
And most importantly, you’ve learned to walk away from anyone or anything that continuously disrupts your peace.
So keep going. Keep your head up, knowing you are enough as you are.
You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
Put in the work.
Stay humble.
领英推荐
Be confident.
Shine bright like a diamond, for a diamond was once coal—rough around the edges until it was polished to radiate as it does now.
Key Insight: Growth isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about knowing when to speak up, when to hold back, and when to let go.
For more inspiring reflections each week, join the EQ Oasis free newsletter, where each week brings you another Note from the Future to help you thrive.
Thursday: Jupiter’s Growth ??
Theme: Shifting Perspective from Competition to Abundance
Jupiter, the planet of expansion, teaches us to see the bigger picture. Jealousy often narrows our focus, making us feel as though success is a limited resource. But when we shift our perspective to one of abundance, we realize there’s room for everyone to grow.
Practical Strategy:
When you feel jealous of someone:
When you’re the subject of jealousy:
Key Insight:
Growth comes from releasing comparisons and focusing on your unique path.
Friday: Venus Friday ??
Theme: Self-Love and Resilience
Venus, the planet of love, invites us to turn inward and nurture our self-worth. In the face of jealousy—whether ours or someone else’s—the antidote is self-love.
Today, I share a poem that serves as a reminder of our inherent worth and resilience:
All your life, you've been told you’re not worth it.
All your life, you've been nudged to play small.
All your life, you've been urged to dim your light.
Yet not once did you pause and wonder:
Why do they try to shade my shine?
Not once did you ask, where does this intimidation come from?
Not once did you consider: perhaps it was never you—it was them.
When we let our light shine, it blinds those who fear their own.
When we stand in our power, it unsettles the unsteady.
When we forget our strength, others seize it.
So as you rise each morning, greet the day with confidence and grace.
Remember how far you’ve come, how strong you are, and how brightly you shine.
Yes, they tried.
They tried to shrink you, but only shrank themselves.
They threw your name in the dirt, only to feel the stain within.
They dug holes for you to stumble, yet you rose—while they remained buried.
So, dear soul, carry this truth with you:
It is your confidence, not arrogance, that will ground you in one unwavering truth:
You are, and always have been, enough.
This message is a reminder to honor your worth and let your light shine without apology. Venus calls us to celebrate our unique beauty and strength, knowing that real love begins within.
Saturday: Saturn’s Shield ??
Theme: Boundaries Are Your Superpower
Saturn teaches us the power of discipline and boundaries. In the workplace, setting emotional boundaries is essential for navigating jealousy without letting it drain your energy.
Practical Strategy:
Affirmation:
"My boundaries are a reflection of my self-worth. I protect my energy with clarity and confidence."
Sunday: Solar Shine ??
Theme: EQ Vitamins for Resilience and Empowerment
As the week concludes, let’s reflect on three EQ Vitamins to help you navigate jealousy with grace and resilience:
?? Deepen Your Journey
Ready to take your emotional intelligence journey to the next level? Here are some powerful ways to deepen your growth and transformation:
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll explore jealousy in personal relationships and how to navigate it with emotional intelligence.
Remember: Your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions—it’s defined by how you choose to show up for yourself.
With love & gratitude,
Nadja ?? ?? ??
Management and Organisation Consultant | CEO & Founder at LeadLink Consulting
4 个月This article brings attention to a critical but often overlooked issue—workplace jealousy. One additional perspective to consider is how jealousy can stifle innovation. When employees feel they can’t express new ideas or take initiative without risking envy or resentment, creativity and growth are compromised. Encouraging an open environment where all contributions are valued not only minimizes jealousy but also fuels a culture of continuous improvement and collective success.????
I help you turn your expertise into content that builds influence & business.
4 个月Jealousy is your inner compass, not your enemy. When you feel that pang of jealousy, it’s a signal. It’s telling you what matters most to you. Instead of letting it control you, use it as a moment to ask yourself: What am I really craving? Understanding this can unlock personal growth and clarity on what you truly want. Loved it Nadja El Fertasi