His love for work breeds resentment

Wed., Aug. 2, 2006

Harriette Cole United Feature Syndicate

Dear Harriette: At work, my fellow employees do only the minimum to complete their job duties, while I believe you should perform your absolute best, accomplishing more than what is expected. For example, when I run across a pertinent article about our industry in an online news story, I will e-mail it to management, which usually warrants compliments in front of my co-workers. But now my co-workers call me a “kiss ass,” and that rumor will not die down. I love my job and just want to do my best, and management is very thankful for what I do! How can I confront my co-workers about this issue? — Jacob, Dallas, Texas

Dear Jacob: You are demonstrating leadership potential, which will surely support your burgeoning career. Companies look for leaders to help take their businesses to the next level, and it’s smart to position yourself in this way.

Stop worrying about what your co-workers think and about what they do with their time and effort. Yes, it’s important to cultivate positive relationships at work, but you can’t control people’s thoughts or words. Instead of making that futile effort, identify who among them is genuinely interesting to you and/or who works closest with you — and make it your intention to build a bridge of respect. Your actions will demonstrate you are a good person. Remain humble, hardworking and honest. And keep your feelings close to your vest.

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