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7 Deadly Sins in Business – Envy 
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Bob Ryan, About Purpose, Inc. ©2009
“This is a business newsletter, what do I care about The 7 Deadly Sins?” Read on. Because those 7 Deadly Sins that most of us grew up hearing about will destroy a business just as fast as they are said to destroy our lives. These next several months this newsletter will answer why you really should care about The 7 Deadly Sins in your workplace.
Envy. What has that got to do with business, or the workplace? Look at this definition of envy:
Envy - resenting others' success; painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.
Sometimes called "the green-eyed monster," envy is a highly divisive, self-destructive morale killer in the workplace. It takes numerous forms, all of which have a similar face - resentment of someone else's influence or position. Where jealousy is often about things or relationships, envy is usually about position. The envious person sees others in jobs, or positions of influence, or with opportunities for advancement and experiences pain, or a sense of injustice, or in some cases, even hatred.
Consider the damage done. Instead of seeing himself as a contributing team member, he sees himself as closed out. Instead of striving to grow and develop, he sees himself powerless and victimized.
Envy may show in a long, slow, burn with the person burying his feelings.
Envy may show in passive-aggressive behaviors that sabotage the workplace.
Envy may show in divisive criticism and backbiting that eats away at morale.
Envy may show in an eroding self-confidence that results in a negative spiral of self-image.
Envy may show in withdrawal and work and/or social avoidance.
All of the above are harmful to the workplace and the people in it.
So how do you deal with envy? The first and best defense is a good offense. Be very careful to hire people who demonstrate a history of emotional health and well being. When checking references, listen between the lines for any hint of social maladjustment with boss or coworkers. Perform pre-employment personality testing. In other words, try not to hire people prone to envy.
What do you do when you discover envy in a current employee? Confront the negative behaviors immediately. A supervisor's responsibility is to deal with any behavior that is harmful to the work environment or work product. It may be that the person had a weak moment and will be grateful you have made him aware. If not, or if the behavior repeats, it may be time to refer the person to a professional who can help him deal with his negative emotions. Many larger companies have Employee Assistance Plans. Smaller companies may have to try to talk the employee into seeing a mental health professional.
One thing is for sure. Envy on the job is never a positive thing and will almost certainly lead to bigger and more troublesome problems if left unchecked.