Hey diligent worker! Do you feel threatened or challenged when colleagues at your workplace spite you? Are you the cool person or the tiger of every situation? Is being challenged at work childish or helping? What actually is it? Is it Peer pressure in the Workplace? Yes it is.
What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is a feeling that one must do or conform to the same things as other people of similar age or social group in order to be accepted, liked or respected by them. It is also known as social pressure by members of one’s ‘peer’ group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted. It is the social influence a group exerts on its individual members to get them to conform to the expectations of the group.
Peer pressure or social pressure is the direct influence on people by peers, or the effect on an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by changing their attitudes, values or behaviors to conform to those of the influencing group or individual. This type of pressure differs from general social pressure because it causes an individual to change in response to a feeling of being pressured or influenced from a peer or peer group. Social groups affected include both membership groups, in which individuals are “formally” members (such as political parties and trade unions), and cliques, in which membership is not clearly defined. However, a person does not need to be a member or be seeking membership of a group to be affected by peer pressure.
Peer pressure is a little too common for our liking. It can strike us in different ways at different times of our lives. Each of us has experienced it at some point in our lives. For many, the seeds of peer pressure are sown early. Starting at home where one’s behavior or performance, academic or sports is compared with siblings or other children. At school or in college, where peer pressure is considered dangerous because one can be naïve and easily influenced.
And when you think you have just outgrown peer pressure, it strikes you back, either in the form of co-workers or business rivals among others. Peer pressure can hugely influence one’s success or failure in the workplace or in business.
Understanding peer pressure and standing your ground is important to turn such pressure to your advantage. When taken in the right spirit, peer pressure can help you excel at work and ultimately achieve your goals.
One must have right skills to be able to deal with peer pressure in the workplace. For those experiencing peer pressure in the workplace, there are things they can do to lower it while proving to others that you can handle pressure effectively.
Overcoming peer pressure in the workplace
Regardless of the type of peer pressure, there are different ways to overcome it. You must stand up for yourself and take responsibility. We cannot ignore the influence that peers have on one another. In fact it is healthy to have it in the workplace as it promotes competition, motivates performers, encourages challenges and has a strong influence on achieving results.
Dealing with peer pressure in the workplace is all about establishing your own values about life and the things that are important to you and in sticking to your own principles.
1. Learn how to say ‘No’
You can always take a stand and refuse to give in. This requires courage but standing your ground will make you feel very good about yourself. As long as you are sure about your ideas and actions, peers cannot just discourage you. Let them know that you are strong on your will and do not want to just give in. When you see positive results, you will be more confident than before.
2. Take a stand and make a move
There is no need for you to surround yourself with people who undermine you. Get rid of such negativity by cutting them out of your life. When you see that your peers are always negative about what you do, you should show them the door.
3. Do not be judgmental
Stop judging people by their choices and they will likely return the favour. Not being judgmental doesn’t mean you should support their actions when you don’t want to. It only means that you respect your own choices more.
4. Get help if you need it
Part of your job as an employee is to protect your employer. Notice if there is something out of line and get the help that you need immediately. Assessing the situation and taking care of issues right away demonstrates that you can think clearly under pressure.
5. Remain calm always
Maintain a calm demeanor no matter what happens. This takes some practice, but the more you practice, the better you will get. Staying calm demonstrates that you have the ability to take things in stride and complete your tasks even in the face of difficult circumstances.
6. Stay focused on your tasks
Even though the day may be stressful, keep your mind firmly focused on completing your regular responsibilities.
7. If you are feeling stressed, avoid letting it show too much
Carry on with your responsibilities, no matter what is going on. Consciously bringing your mind back to your current action in completing your important tasks will help you let go of worrying and other stress.
8. Utilize your vacation time wisely
Plan your vacation during slow times at your job. Staying during the busy times shows your employer your dedication.
9. Join in with big projects
From time to time, your company may need help with a large or complex project. Take on the responsibility willingly. Showing your ability to be flexible demonstrates your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, openness to learning something new, as well as your ability to handle added pressure.
10. Make an excuse to leave
Another option is to get out of the situation by leaving. Make an excuse for why you need to leave quickly. Apologize and get away as soon as you can.
It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. Never let anyone try and make you into something that you are not. Remember what you want and always stay strong and focused in that.
