How to Beat a Backstabber at Work

Every organization has at least one person who would rather backstab than get the work done. While others eventually may discover the truth about backstabbers, they can damage your career and make your job unbearable unless you take a stand.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Confront the situation. If you don't confront a backstabber, your coworkers or boss might start to believe the gossip. Once you know that a coworker is trying to damage your reputation, do something about it.

2. Set up a meeting. If the backstabber has gone to your boss and made untrue allegations, arrange to speak to your boss. You don't even have to bring up the backstabber's allegations directly. Just review where you stand on your projects. If the backstabber has been spreading rumors with people on the team, call the members together to clear the air.

3. Document everything in writing. Many people believe gossip when they hear it, so you may have to defend yourself. Compile a written record of everything you've done.

4. Form alliances with your coworkers. Many backstabbers try to drive wedges between coworkers. By staying open and close with others in your office, you can defeat the backstabber. Even though you're busy, invite a coworker to lunch. Confront mistakes immediately. Statements like "I heard that you were unhappy about the way I produced that document. Can we discuss it?" go a long way to undoing the work of the backstabber.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow the backstabber to affect you. Do what you can to create a positive work environment. However, if your company tolerates the actions of the backstabber, it might not be the best place for you to work.