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The phrase “green with envy” is thrown around rather casually when one speaks of someone who wishes to be someone else, or have what someone else has. However, I believe the concept has become misconstrued. Does it imply the standard interpretation above, or is it that the envious one believes that someone who has what he or she wants does not actually deserve it?
Green People
Some of us have been the object of an envious person, and some of us are, in fact, envious. Both sides of this negative trait may cause an array of problems in today’s corporate America. Far too many envious people are emerging and with such vengeance that they actually cost companies more money. These people are so difficult to work with and for them that they drive some of the best talent straight to the competition. If this scenario sounds familiar, pay close attention to understand just how costly he or she can be to an organization.
How do those “green with envy” develop? Usually, they are quite happy with their path in life. They are successful, lead a righteous life, and care about others. These people even have others who look up to them and want to be like them, which make them feel good about themselves, and they believe their success is going well. They are “paying their dues.” They are college-educated, have worked their way up the corporate ladder, and are doing everything they are supposed to do to climb even higher. So they open their arms to other employees as if to say, “Follow me, I’ll show you how to pay your dues and lead the glamorous life that I have. Stick with me and I can get you where you need to be.” This makes them feel good because they believe they are helping people, and they love the attention.
