The Cost of Competence

The Cost of Competence
Photo by Nima Mohammadi / Unsplash

In 2020, the pandemic hit, and I found myself working directly with the EHS VP to help maintain the continuance of business by implementing measures to prevent employees from getting infected (at least at work). I spent countless late nights reading, analyzing, and translating dense COVID-19 guidance, extensive journal articles and researching emerging technologies for the VP. I conducted in-person training for essential staff across all three shifts and spent hours hunting down elusive NIOSH-approved masks. I honestly didn't mind putting in the extra hours because I knew it would help 'the cause' and the VP appreciated my efforts.

As the pandemic winded down, the VP verbally informed me that he was blown away by my speed and performance. He rewarded me with several private commendations (bonus, gift cards, emails sent to the CEO, etc), which I was perfectly fine with. I didn't need the spotlight.

Then came the company-wide Town Hall. While discussing the EHS' efforts to protect the workforce, the VP suddenly name-dropped me. Not once, but twice. He gave me kudos for my efforts.

Public accolades of individuals were practically unheard of in these meetings. (These meetings were typically meant to discuss the department's vision and current progress.) As he spoke, I watched my colleagues’ faces morph in real-time—from shock, to anger, and finally, to cold resentment.

In that single moment, a massive target was painted directly on my back. After the Town Hall, my direct supervisor pulled me aside shortly after to confirm 'the target'. The VP thought he was doing me a favor, but instead, he had just shown my colleagues exactly who they needed to step on to ascend the corporate ladder.

The Lesson: Public Praise is a Double-Edged Sword

It is a harsh reality that exceptional performance can quickly breed hostility. This experience taught me critical lessons about visibility and workplace survival:

  • Private Praise vs. Public Envy: Private recognition builds your relationship with leadership, but public praise often breeds immediate competition and jealousy among your peers. Especially peers who are insecure...very insecure.
  • Prepare for the Pushback: If you receive high-level public accolades, assume the workplace politics are about to shift. Stay humble, keep your guard up, and don't let the applause deafen you to the shifting dynamics in the room.