Office Survival: Coping with Backstabbers at the job

During a job search, it’s crucial to craft a compelling 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 dynamics, 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 scenarios involves dealing with backstabbing colleagues.

While such individuals are unfortunately common, it’s important not to become one of them and not to tolerate such behavior once you’ve secured a job. Instead, focus on strategies for handling backstabbers at work to maintain your professionalism, even in the face of criticisms made behind your back.

What Backstabbing Coworkers Do

Identifying colleagues engaging in harmful and unfair actions against you can be challenging when you’re not present. However, self-confidence can help you distinguish among your coworkers, including those who engage in backstabbing behavior.

What are the signs of a backstabber at work?

Recognize backstabbers at work by observing 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

With an understanding of these signs, learn how to effectively deal with backstabbing colleagues using the following tips.

How to Deal with Backstabbing Employees

So, how can you effectively handle a backstabbing colleague? Follow these guidelines, draw inspiration from motivational quotes, and keep these reminders in mind to help you maintain your integrity through this challenging situation.

1) Be the bigger person.

Take the higher road; it is far less crowded. — Warren Buffett
In situations like these, where circumstances may be beyond your control, the best course of action is to take the high road and excel in what you do. By doing so, you handle the situation with the utmost professionalism and integrity.

2. Be alert during changes.

Changes in the workplace are inevitable. However, change can be challenging and may expose you to new workplace dynamics, including backstabbing. Be open to change but exercise caution.

3. Make it a habit to document.

The single most important ingredient in the recipe for success is transparency because transparency builds trust. — Denise Morrison
Whenever possible, document your work-related activities. Communicate with your coworkers through email, making it easier for your employers to track your correspondence. Documenting your interactions can also protect you from backstabbers who may use your words against you.

4. Be cautious about what you tell others.

Backstabbing colleagues seize on any information they can gather from you or those you converse with. Even innocent questions about colleagues and their actions may be twisted against you. Therefore, exercise caution when engaging in conversations with your officemates.

5. Be cautious in pitching ideas and plans.

Ideas won’t keep; something must be done about them. — Alfred North Whitehead
Ideas are intellectual assets, so unless you have complete trust in your surroundings, exercise discretion in sharing your thoughts and plans. Backstabbing coworkers may initially appear trustworthy but can ultimately exploit your ideas for their benefit.

6. Don’t join or start gossips.

Consider: What benefit does speaking negatively of others bring you? Does it enhance your professional reputation? Does it contribute to a healthier work environment? Engaging in gossip only worsens the situation and fails to resolve issues.

7. Don’t trust easily.

If you give your trust to a person who doesn’t deserve it, you actually give him the power to destroy you. — Khaled Saad
Trust should be earned, not freely given to everyone you encounter. In the workplace, not everyone is your ally. Maintain professionalism by keeping discussions focused on work and refraining from sharing excessive personal information or opinions with random coworkers.

8. Do what’s right and continue doing your best.

Ultimately, it comes down to how you respond to these situations that may seem beyond your control. Continue doing what’s right and strive for excellence. After all, you must perform your duties effectively and produce results for your employer.

Make the Best out of Your Career Despite Backstabbing Challenges

Remember that not all common workplace practices are normal or should be tolerated, and backstabbing is one of them. Despite this, don’t stop taking steps to advance your career. As a professional, it’s essential to remain respectful and civil in the workplace. Dealing with backstabbing colleagues should not jeopardize your job or compromise your integrity.

Finding a New Career Can Lead to a Happier Work Environment

If you’ve experienced being backstabbed by your coworkers, you have the option to seek a new job. Leaving a position is not always easy. Learn how to write a perfect resignation letter to maintain your professional reputation. Afterward, pursuing a new job can place you in a more positive environment. Let us help you secure your next job with a professional resume! Read our best resume writing services reviews and choose the one that suits your needs to kickstart your career.