Green-Eyed Colleagues and Thunder-Stealers: My Take on Workplace Drama.

 #633

Personal Update:- Family Annoucement in coming weeks! I missed to be in America under "45" now getting ready under "47". 

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Context:- Bartleby Column and HBR Blog today!

I’ve had a pretty smooth ride in my career—Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) was my turf, a field just taking off back in the 80s and 90s, too unique for anyone to mess with my groove. My colleagues were rock-solid, my bosses were top-notch, and we were all about pushing each other up. But I’ve heard the tales—colleagues turning green with envy over your success, or thunder-stealers, sometimes even the boss, swiping your credit like it’s free lunch. Never felt it myself, but I know it’s out there. So, let’s dive into this workplace drama—why it happens, how to spot it, and how to glide through it like water off a lotus leaf. Plus, I’ll throw in some wisdom on toxic cultures to watch out for!

The Jealousy Game: Why Are They So Envious?

So why do colleagues get all worked up and jealous? It’s not just random bad vibes—it’s personal for them. Maybe you landed that promotion they were eyeing, or your idea got the boss’s “Superb, macha!” while theirs got a “Let’s see.” I saw it once with R, a junior I knew. He aced an audit, got a thumbs-up and a step up. His teammate S? Couldn’t stomach it. Why? S thought it was his turn, even though he hadn’t slogged as much. It’s insecurity, my friend—your win feels like their loss. In India, we’re wired to compare—board exam marks, entrance ranks, who got the swanky job. When you shine, it’s like waving their “what ifs” in their face.

Then there’s the ego factor. Some folks think success is a one-man show—if you’re up, they’re down. I never faced this in HSE—my work was so technical, nobody could fake it. But in regular setups? It’s a forest out there. They’re jealous because they’re scared—of lagging behind, of not matching up, or just because they can’t stand someone else stealing the spotlight.

Power Dynamics: The Office Chessboard

Now, let’s talk the big picture—organisation power dynamics. Jealousy doesn’t just sprout up; it’s cooked in the company’s pressure pot. If the higher-ups play favourites—pushing their pet people over the real doers—it’s a spark for resentment. I’ve been lucky; my bosses came from elite setups—MITs, Imperial College, London and global firms—with a broad mindset that didn’t entertain cheap tricks. But in places where power’s a battleground, you’ll see it. The boss who grabs credit sets the tone—suddenly, everyone’s racing to look good, stepping on toes. Or those ladder-like structures—only one gets the top spot, so colleagues turn into competitors. S sulked because his senior didn’t give him a fair chance; the system made them rivals. When the culture screams “me” over “us,” jealousy’s the natural side dish.

Spotting Your True Supporters and Building Bonds

So, who’s really in your corner? Your true well-wishers are easy to spot—they’re the ones cheering when you win, not just when they do. In my career, I had mentors who’d pull me aside and say, “Karthik, you’re smashing it, Doing great, keep going!” or when I did not so well, "Go jump in to waste water plant" No hidden motives, just pure support. Look for people who ask about your work because they’re interested, not to copy-paste it. They’ll back you up when the thunder-stealers strike.

Building that bond? Keep it simple—be yourself. Share a coffee, crack a joke, ask about their weekend. I’d chat with my team about their ideas, not just mine—it kept us tight. Yes, sometimes, it may take your bed time well past midnight, having sat in the bar for good 3 hrs post dinner. Don’t show off your wins; let them have their moment too. If S's grumpy, I’d say, “Hey, your last report was solid, what’s your take on this?” Small steps, big trust.

Dodging Drama Like Water Off a Lotus Leaf

Here’s the secret—how do you sidestep these envious types without stepping on toes? Be like water off a lotus leaf—there, but not stuck. Don’t take their digs to heart; let it roll off. I’d smile at snide remarks and carry on—why waste my energy? Keep chats light—work stuff, not personal. (As Mark Horstman of Manager Tools, says - "How you feel is your Fault".) If they’re fishing for a clash, don’t bite. “Oh, crazy day, let’s talk later!” works like magic. Focus on your game—when you’re too busy winning, their nonsense feels like static. My HSE days taught me this: head down, results up, and the drama fades.

Thunder-Stealers: When Your Credit Gets Snatched

Now, the credit-grabbers—colleagues or bosses who parade your work as theirs. I’ve been spared this, thanks to teams where credit was shared and everyone felt good. But take a female colleague known to me—she slogged on a compliance plan, only for her boss to soak up the praise. Or an Environmental Engineer, whose waste management idea got pinched by a teammate in a meeting. Why? Ego, opportunism, or just a rotten culture where stealing thunder’s routine.

Call it out gently—“Glad you liked my slides, sir, took me weeks!”—and keep proof. I saved emails and drafts, always notes, not out of doubt, but habit. If it’s constant, especially from the boss, (Yes I did have a below average boss for a few months, law of averages catches up with everyone, I am no exception) it’s a culture signal. Time to think: Is this place worth my sweat?

Cut-Throat Culture: Red Flags to Watch

Speaking of culture, how do you know you’re in a dog-eat-dog setup? Signs are all over, my friend. One: backstabbing’s normal—colleagues trash each other to climb up. Two: credit’s a fight—nobody says “team work,” it’s all “I did it.” Three: fear drives everything—people work to save their skin, not to grow. Four: cliques and bootlicking—boss’s favourites get the perks, rest get crumbs. I’ve seen friends in such places—stressed, drained, always on guard. My workplaces? Open, fair, global-minded. Also look for questioning attitude, healthy arguements, seeking help, well laid out plans, responsibilities aligned across, as well as things happen on time with clockwork precision and committment /deadlines are most sacrosant as well as clear behaviours expected tied to results. If these aspects are missing, not a great workplace. Total contrast.

My Lucky Run and Final Thoughts

I’ve been fortunate—no envy, no credit-stealing, just good vibes. Maybe it was the elite bosses, their exposure to foreign cultures rubbing off, or HSE being too niche to nick. Yes, I’ve seen lucky colleagues in other functions soar, and brilliant ones miss out—life’s a dice game. So, my advice? Rise above the envy—let them stew while you shine. Spot your crew, dodge the drama, and if the culture’s a mess, plan your move. You deserve a workplace that lifts you, not one that pulls you down.

Comments? Karthik.

10/3/25 930am.