Entering the professional world for the first time is both exciting and daunting for young employees. It's a crucial time where fresh graduates and first-time jobbers have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make their mark. However, some young professionals, in their zeal to stand out and prove their competence, often engage in behaviours that can be detrimental not only to their team but also to their own careers. These include withholding knowledge, avoiding transparency, bad-mouthing senior teammates, and, in some cases, trying to overshadow more experienced colleagues. While these behaviours might give a temporary feeling of success, they are deeply rooted in insecurity and immaturity, which can have long-term negative consequences.
The Psychology Behind the Behaviour
1.
Insecurity
and Imposter Syndrome
o First-time jobbers are often eager to prove themselves,
and this pressure can lead to insecurity. When they step into a professional
setting where they feel inexperienced, their fear of inadequacy may push them
to act overconfidently or over smart. By hiding information or trying to
outshine senior team members, they attempt to mask their insecurities and prove
their worth, albeit in a counterproductive manner.
2.
Lack of
Emotional Maturity
o Immature behaviour, such as bad-mouthing colleagues or
refusing to share knowledge, often stems from emotional immaturity. Younger
employees may not yet fully understand the long-term benefits of collaboration,
trust, and teamwork. Instead, they may prioritize short-term gains and
approval, believing that their individual success is more important than the
team's success.
3.
A Desire
for Quick Recognition
o In today’s fast-paced work environments, young
professionals often feel pressured to achieve recognition early in their
careers. This desire for immediate validation can cause them to engage in
tactics like withholding information, thinking that making themselves
indispensable will speed up their rise to success. This mind-set overlooks the
importance of cooperation and the fact that true leadership is earned through
respect, not manipulation.
4.
Fear of
Competition
o Another underlying factor is the fear of being
overshadowed by others, especially senior team members. First-time jobbers
might feel threatened by the experience and knowledge of their seniors, leading
them to downplay others' contributions or, worse, to sabotage relationships
through gossip and backstabbing. They believe that by undermining their
seniors, they can elevate their own standing, which is a deeply flawed
assumption.
The Harmful Impact on the Team
1.
Erosion
of Trust
o Teams thrive on trust and open communication. When a
young employee refuses to share knowledge or hides information for personal
gain, it creates an atmosphere of distrust. Colleagues may become suspicious,
unwilling to collaborate or share information themselves, leading to a
breakdown in teamwork and cohesion.
2.
Decreased
Efficiency
o Withholding important information can lead to a lack of
alignment within the team. Work may get duplicated, or key tasks might be
delayed because not everyone is working from the same knowledge base. This not
only affects productivity but also hinders the team's ability to achieve
collective goals.
3.
Negative
Work Culture
o Bad-mouthing and undermining senior colleagues can
create a toxic work environment. The energy that should be spent on innovation
and productivity is instead diverted to internal conflicts and gossip. Over
time, this can lead to disengagement, low morale, and even turnover, as
employees become frustrated with the negative atmosphere.
The Long-Term Impact on Career Growth
1.
Reputation
Damage
o Oversmart behaviour might yield temporary success, but
in the long run, it damages one's professional reputation. Colleagues and
managers will eventually recognize the lack of integrity, which can lead to
diminished opportunities for growth. People who exhibit manipulative or
secretive behaviours are less likely to be trusted with leadership roles or
important projects.
2.
Isolation
from Peers
o A career is not built in isolation. Success is often
the result of strong professional relationships, mentorship, and collaboration.
By refusing to share knowledge and undermining seniors, young employees risk
isolating themselves from colleagues who could be valuable allies or mentors.
This isolation can stifle their learning and growth, as they miss out on
guidance from more experienced team members.
3.
Leadership
Deficit
o True leadership is about empowering others, fostering
collaboration, and contributing to the success of the team. By focusing on
individual gain and employing manipulative tactics, first-time jobbers miss out
on developing the leadership qualities that are essential for long-term career
success. Without the respect and trust of their peers, they will find it
difficult to advance into positions of real influence.
A Better Approach: Fostering Collaboration and Growth
To build a successful career, first-time jobbers
need to understand the value of teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect.
Instead of viewing seniors as competition, they should see them as resources
for learning and growth. Engaging in open communication, sharing knowledge, and
contributing positively to the team are not just ethical behaviors but are also
strategies that will help them build strong professional networks and a solid
reputation.
Key Takeaways for
First-Time Jobbers:
- Focus on Collaboration: Career
growth comes from working well with others, not from undermining them.
- Be Transparent: Sharing
information and being open with colleagues builds trust and strengthens
teams.
- Respect Seniors: Senior
team members have experience and knowledge that can help you grow.
Respecting them will earn you mentorship and support.
- Develop Emotional Maturity: Learn to manage insecurities and resist the urge to
engage in manipulative behaviours.
Success in the professional world is a marathon,
not a sprint. Those who prioritize personal gain over the success of the team
will find themselves falling behind, while those who foster collaboration,
trust, and respect will be the ones who truly shine in the long run.
- Aditi
