\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This has led me to wonder if in some conscious or sub-conscious way, she has been attempting to sabotage me. In the event that youve actually slacked off in the last few years regarding setting goals and working towards them, a sabotage attempt by a coworker may actually propel you into action again. Consider language like, I want to be as productive as possible. When you calmly explain your point of view using facts, your colleague might be forced to back down. Related Tips for dealing with coworkers who watch your every move. Then list the bullet points. If your self-esteem starts to erode, your managers and coworkers will consciously or subconsciously start to notice. In addition to setting very clear boundaries, it is important to establish a game plan moving forward to secure your reputation and position. Rather than getting all bent and frustrated, I like your ideas better. Coworkers If you come up with an idea and are afraid that your coworker will take credit for it, let your boss know that it was your idea by including her in the email chain. Once you have determined that you have real case to present to your boss, gather the necessary resources in order to present a legitimate case. Keep an email chain or write down what happened, when it happened, and any witnesses to the event. WebThe first step in addressing an employee who is sabotaging you is to calmly confront them about it and explain how their actions are affecting your work and morale. Web4. For instance, if you send an email, copy your boss or another team member so that you have proof of the dialogue. Theyll come up to you on your lunch break to ask what happened, theyll attempt to confirm certain elements of gossip about the backstabber throwing you under the bus, and theyll call on you to tell your story. [NC] My coworker is extremely inquisitive, and a gossip. She has Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. High-performing employees can get away with bad behavior because employers often believe their production outweighs their wrongdoings.The more valuable your work is to your employer, the more your boss and co-workers are likely to overlook questionable behavior, according to a study from 2016. Take home copies of important documents if you fear that your colleague might steal or hide them. To ensure that youre focusing on the bigger picture, write down your goals and decide on actionable steps you can take to achieve them. Web11 Ways How to Deal With Sneaky Coworkers 1. Dont let your toxic co-workers hold you back from enjoying work and finding the right fit. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. you two couldn't handle unequal positions) instead of owning his decision to not promote either one of you. View all articles by Suzanne Lucas on CBS MoneyWatch The best way to deal with this type of coworker is to reduce or minimize all in-person, phone, and online interaction. How to Handle For instance, Pam, per the Boss directive, I look forward to working with you on this project. Be proactive about the aspects of your job that you sometimes struggle with. 2011 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. A recruiter shares in a viral TikTok how to deal with toxic co-workersby getting everything they ask for in writing. If you suspect a colleague is trying to sink your career, heres what youll want to do: Don't assume bad intentions. The Bully Narcissist at Work: A Toolbox Sabotaging coworkers always run straight to the boss with complaints instead of clueing you in about what youre doing wrong. Another way to ensure that you dont become embroiled in the petty schemes of a saboteur is to keep your eye on the bigger picture. OvercomingToxicPeople.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Remember that there are more important things in life and toxic people like this will come and go. Managers are only human and often very busy. Keeping the focus of that discussion on the work side of things, not the personal side, is apt to make more of an impression on the higher-up you're speaking to. However, getting angry or allowing the saboteurs actions to get to you and affect your mood and work performance will count in their favor. What can I do at this point to help save my job and bring attention to fact she is deliberately trying to get herself promoted by sabotaging me. Narcissist Coworkers Always Take Credit for What You Do. Also, if the coworker is trying to take away your team members, or misguide them, be suspicious about this coworkers intentions. Be the first party to report destructive or manipulative behavior to the boss. Hopefully, they're unaware, surprised, and they make an effort to change. If you answered yes to these questions, then chances are you are dealing with an undermining coworker. Anticipate Sabotage With Patterns to Remain Unhinged, Remaining more general in your anticipation of sabotage in the professional realm will naturally force you to be less trusting and more skeptical as a whole. display: block; These are also signs of a coworker who is trying to undermine you. Talk to your colleague about his behavior in a non-confrontational way. For more information on dealing with narcissist coworkers, see this article . "If it comes down to having to confront the coworker, try and approach the situation with logic, not emotion," says Peterson, who stresses that it is important for you to honestly make an effort to communicate with your coworker and try to see where he is coming from. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Handle a Sabotaging Coworker - Monster Career Advice 12 Simple Ways to Deal with a Passive Aggressive Coworker Since youd be referencing past patterns in an effort to predict future actions, youd be worried less about specifics and more about overall signs. If youre being targeted by a sneaky coworker, its important to protect yourself where possible. If you want to file a complaint formally, talk to your human resource department. Unhealthy competition. a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to That's the nuclear option. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Write a small statement of five to seven sentences that succinctly states the problem, what you have done to address the problem, and how the problem has impacted your and other coworkers work. Say that you expect him to come to you with concerns instead of speaking to your supervisor or airing complaints and criticism publicly. Defamation of Character in the Workplace (Explained!). Attempting to combat backstabbers in an official, professional context is seldom effective. If he views you as a supportive colleague, he might be less likely to continue his behavior. Just address the problem head on by asking your coworker to cut it out.