The other night, I was watching a television show in which contestants have to pass through an obstacle course while competing for time against other contestants, all of whom are vying for a prize. Ever feel like your workplace is designed on a similar model, where you have to dodge obstacles thrown at you by bosses, customers, and coworkers while you compete against the people around you for scarce promotions and positions? When you’re on top, that sense of competition may seem energizing, but no one can be on top forever and many may struggle with this type of climate on a regular basis.
So what to do? Two things. First, don’t perpetuate the cycle. Recognize others’ accomplishments with genuine praise, and encourage people to work together. Second, build relationships with people. Not relationship that will advance your career. Relationships are the most important thing that you can do as they are the most important part of job satisfaction.
Filed under: Job Satisfaction | Tagged: Job Satisfaction, Praising Others, Workplace Obstacles, workplace relationships
