HAS SOMEONE ever cut you off in the middle of a meeting while you confidently presented an idea, making himself the center of attention while downplaying yours? Places of work are like this all over the world.
In addition to misbehaving, those who put down others to elevate themselves are also displaying deeper psychological issues, which are frequently caused by insecurity and low self-esteem.
People want to make a good impression at work because they are constantly judged on their work, and the consequences of their actions are usually severe. Sadly, this can sometimes make people act badly, like when they need to put others down to show how much better they are.
However, why does this occur? Despite their apparent diversity, the causes frequently stem from psychological problems that are widespread, such as narcissism, envy, and insecurity.
Low self-esteem, the most common underlying factor, contributes significantly to this conduct. People who are constantly insecure worry that they do not measure up and secretly compare themselves to their coworkers.
Some people find that making fun of others gives them a short-term sense of relief and takes the focus off of the flaws they think they have. They temporarily feel superior to others when they draw attention to their flaws, which takes attention away from their vulnerabilities. However, this tactic, although briefly successful, is short-lived and expensive — it alienates their peers, especially the wiser ones, and fosters a hostile atmosphere.
But narcissism presents an alternative viewpoint. Individuals with narcissistic tendencies denigrate others due to an exaggerated perception of their value, in contrast to insecurity-driven behavior, which stems from self-doubt.
Narcissists frequently function under the delusion that they are intrinsically better than others, and to uphold this delusion, they minimize those around them. Demeaning others reinforces their self-image, ensuring they remain the smartest person in the room—or so they believe. In this dynamic, the workplace becomes less about collaboration and more about dominance.
Social comparison theory also highlights why this behavior persists in professional settings. In a world where promotions, recognition, and salary raises are at stake, people often evaluate their self-worth by comparing themselves to colleagues. This can lead to harmful patterns of putting others down to feel better about their own standing.
The more they can lower someone else’s achievements, the higher they elevate their own — at least in their mind. It is a precarious cycle fueled by competition and the ever-present need to be seen, usually by their bosses and associates, as competent or superior.
Another common psychological defense mechanism in the workplace is projection. People who are insecure about themselves may project their flaws onto other people. To hide their fear of public speaking, someone uneasy about their communication abilities might, for example, make fun of or critique a colleague’s presentation. By discrediting others, they divert attention from their own fears and avoid facing their own perceived shortcomings.
Hierarchical work environments also involve power dynamics. It is common for managers and team leaders to feel compelled to demonstrate their dominance by disparaging those in subordinate positions, thereby perpetuating an unequal power dynamic. In these situations, the demeaning actions are motivated by control maintenance as much as insecurity. It is a tactic to keep others in check and prevent anyone from challenging their authority. (To be continued)/PN
