How to Deal With Coworker Sabotage

Ideally coworker sabotage should not be an issue in any professional environment but sometimes colleagues can be envious or competitive. Dealing with difficult people is a skill most of us need to have. Use the following steps to handle difficult coworkers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   workplace stress

   Confirm and Identify the Source of Sabotage
   
   If you believe that a coworker is taking credit for your work or undermining you in another way, make sure that you confirm that this is actually occurring. Sometimes workplace stress can skew perspectives so make sure to take a step back and look at the situation objectively.

2. 
   workplace stress

   Document the Situation
   
   Once you are certain that sabotage is occurring, document the situation for yourself. Make sure that you identify and save out any relevant email and documentation that verifies that your point of view is accurate.

3. 
   workplace stress

   Set Up a Meeting With Your Manager
   
   If this is something that can affect your career, you need to speak up and identify the problem. Set up a meeting with the appropriate person in your management chain and objectively lay out the situation to a person with authority. Send out a non-retaliatory email that objectively rectifies the situation with everyone concerned.

4. 
   workplace stress

   Allow Your Coworker to Save Face
   
   Your coworker is someone that you will be working with in the future. Decrease workplace stress by allowing your coworker to explain the situation and apologize if there was a mistake made. Your objective should be to let your coworker know that you cannot be walked over and that you are a professional that can handle any situation calmly and firmly.

5. 
   workplace stress

   Contact Human Resources If Absolutely Necessary
   
   If the situation is irresolvable and your coworker is acting in an unethical manner, then continue to document the situation so you have verifiable information. Set up a meeting with a human resources manager and provide as much information as possible so that they can handle the situation appropriately.

Resources

• How to Negotiate a Better Salary For a New Job
• How to Conduct Effective Online Meetings
• Click here for Author Profile

[jenecequa]

on 9/27/2009 Terrific outline on dealing with this problem. Documentation is absolutely a large part of the solution. I would document the behavior by writing an email to myself and sending it! That way, when it was needed... I had an irrefutable source, electronically dated and timed, to back up my allegations of abuse. It was especially helpful when I informed the offender that I had documented their behavior and had the secret satisfaction of watching her face blanche. No one can change the date or time of the documentation and you can use it to build your defense for proving long term or lengthy periods of abuse. Thanks again for bringing this subject to the forefront.

[duanec]

on 8/19/2009 Good tips - all professional steps without personal retaliation. Good advice. 5*

[peachcove]

on 8/19/2009 Documentation is the key - especially onced realized sabotage has happen...great article!

[westernmom]

on 8/19/2009 This is a serious problem. I had a friend who was the manager of a large chain store and an ambitious co-worker decided he wanted the job and was able to destroy my friends' position with just a few well placed comments and letters. Beware! 5*

[chrisanimelo444]

on 8/19/2009 Thanks for the advice! Great tips.