Place of work Survival: Coping with Backstabbers at the office

During a job search, it’s crucial to craft a persuasive resume to increase your chances of landing your desired position. However, your efforts don’t stop there. To enhance your job search, you must also prepare for common workplace practices, diversity, and behaviors in the professional environment. This will provide you with insight into various situations and individuals you may encounter. One of the most challenging workplace experiences involves dealing with backstabbing colleagues.

Even though such individuals are unfortunately common, you shouldn’t become one of them. Furthermore, you must not tolerate this type of behavior once you’ve secured a job. Instead, consider strategies for handling backstabbers at work, allowing you to maintain your professionalism despite the criticisms they may level behind your back.

What Backstabbing Co-workers Do

Identifying colleagues engaging in harmful and unfair actions against you can be challenging when you’re not present. However, being vigilant can help you distinguish among those who may be backstabbers.

What are the signs of a backstabber at work?

Identify backstabbers at work based on some of their common characteristics:

• Jealousy towards colleagues
• Lack of respect for coworkers at all levels
• Tendency to lie to anyone
• Disposition to shift blame onto others
• Inclination to spread gossip
• Propensity to appropriate others’ ideas
• Tendency to belittle others through disparaging comments and remarks

Armed with an understanding of these signs, learn how to effectively manage backstabbing colleagues with the following tips.

How to Deal with Backstabbing Employees

In a job search, crafting a compelling resume is crucial for securing your desired position. However, the process doesn’t end there. To enhance your job search, you should also prepare for common workplace practices, diversity, and behaviors in the professional world. This will provide you with insights into various situations and individuals you may encounter. One of the more challenging workplace scenarios involves dealing with backstabbing colleagues.

Even though such individuals are unfortunately common, it’s essential not to become one of them. Moreover, you shouldn’t tolerate this type of behavior once you’ve secured a job. Instead, focus on strategies for effectively handling backstabbers at work while maintaining your professionalism, regardless of the criticisms they may level behind your back.

What Backstabbing Co-workers Do

Identifying colleagues engaging in harmful and unfair actions against you can be challenging when you’re not present. However, being vigilant can help you distinguish among those who may be backstabbers.

What are the signs of a backstabber at work?

Identify backstabbers at work based on some of their common characteristics:

• Jealousy towards colleagues
• Lack of respect for coworkers at all levels
• Tendency to lie to anyone
• Disposition to shift blame onto others
• Inclination to spread gossip
• Propensity to appropriate others’ ideas
• Tendency to belittle others through disparaging comments and remarks

Equipped with an understanding of these signs, learn how to effectively manage backstabbing colleagues with the following tips.

1. Be the Bigger Person

Take the higher road; it is far less crowded. — Warren Buffett
Even in uncontrollable situations like these, it’s best to take the higher ground and continue excelling in your work. By doing so, you address the situation with utmost professionalism and integrity.

2. Be Alert During Changes

Changes in the workplace are inevitable and may introduce new challenges, including backstabbing and other workplace issues. While you should remain open to change, it’s essential not to expose yourself too much.

3. Make it a Habit to Document

The single most significant ingredient in the recipe for success is transparency because transparency builds trust. — Denise Morrison
Whenever possible, document your work activities. Communicate with your coworkers through email to ensure that your correspondences are easily traceable. This not only aids your employers in monitoring your interactions but also prevents backstabbers from using your words against you.

4. Be Cautious About What You Tell Others

Backstabbing coworkers thrive on gathering information from you and those you interact with. Even innocent questions about who’s who and who does what can be used against you. Therefore, exercise caution in your everyday conversations with colleagues.

5. Be Careful in Pitching Ideas and Plans

— Alfred North Whitehead
Ideas are intellectual assets, so exercise caution when sharing them. Unless you fully trust those around you, be selective in whom you share your thoughts and plans with. Backstabbing coworkers may initially appear trustworthy, but they can quickly seize your ideas for their benefit.

6. Don’t Join or Start Gossips

Ask yourself: What benefit does speaking ill of others bring you? Does it enhance your work history or contribute to a better workplace? Gossiping only exacerbates the situation and doesn’t help resolve issues.

7. Don’t Trust Easily

If you give your trust to a person who doesn’t deserve it, you empower them to harm you. — Khaled Saad
Trust should be earned and not freely given to anyone you encounter. In a professional setting, not everyone is your friend. Maintain professionalism in discussions about work and personal matters. Keep office conversations as work-related as possible and refrain from divulging unnecessary information about your opinions and personal life to random coworkers.

8. Do What’s Right and Continue Doing Your Best

In the end, it all comes down to how you respond to situations that seem beyond your control. Keep doing what’s right and give your best. After all, delivering your tasks effectively and achieving results for your employer is paramount.

Make the Best out of Your Career Despite Backstabbing Challenges

Remember that not all common workplace practices are normal or should be tolerated, including backstabbing. However, don’t stop taking steps to advance your career. As a professional, it’s essential to maintain respect and civility in the workplace. Dealing with backstabbing colleagues shouldn’t compromise your integrity or jeopardize your job.

Finding a New Career Can Lead to a Happier Work Environment

If you’ve experienced backstabbing from your coworkers, you have the option to explore a new job. Of course, leaving a current position is not an easy decision. Learn how to craft a perfect resignation letter to maintain your professional reputation. Subsequently, embarking on a new job search can bring you opportunities for a fresh start. Let us assist you in securing your next job with a professionally crafted resume! Read our best resume writing services reviews and select the one that aligns with your needs to kickstart your new career.