What Backstabbing Coworkers Do
It may be difficult for you to pinpoint colleagues doing harmful and unfair acts against you when you’re not around. Being keen, however, can help you tell apart which among them are backstabbers.What are the signs of a backstabber at work?
Spot backstabbers at work through some of their common traits:- Envy colleagues
- Disrespect workers of all levels
- Lie to anyone
- Put blame on others
- Gossip around
- Steal others’ ideas
- Belittle others through displeasing remarks and comments
How to Deal with Backstabbing Employees

1. Be the bigger person.
Take the high road; it’s far less crowded. — Warren Buffett
As uncontrollable situations like this may be, you better take the high ground and do great at what you do. That way, you’re handling the situation with utmost professionalism and integrity.
2. Be alert during changes.
Changes in the workplace are inevitable. However, change is challenging and may open new doors to backstabbing and other workplace issues. Guard yourself. Be open to change, but don’t open yourself too much.
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
As much as possible, make all your work activities documented. Talk to your coworkers through emails. Doing this helps your employers track your correspondences easily. Most importantly, it avoids backstabbers from using your own words against you.
4. Be cautious about what you tell others.
Backstabbing coworkers prey on every single detail they can get from you or those you talk to. Who knows, your simple question of who’s who and who does what may be taken against you. That’s why you must be mindful of your everyday conversation with your officemates.
5. Be careful in pitching ideas and plans.
Ideas won’t keep; something must be done about them. — Alfred North Whitehead
Ideas are intellectual properties. So unless you fully trust the people around you, be careful with whom you share your ideas and plans with. Backstabbing coworkers may act nice to get your trust, but before you even know it, they have stolen your ideas to their advantage.
6. Don’t join or start gossips.
Ask yourself: What good will it bring you to talk badly of others? Will it improve your work history? Will it contribute to a better workplace? Gossiping makes one’s situation worse and doesn’t help resolve things.
7. Don’t trust easily.
If you give your trust to a person who does not deserve it, you actually give him the power to destroy you. — Khaled Saad
Trust must be earned, not given to just anyone you meet. In the workplace, not everyone is your friend. Maintain professionalism when discussing work and personal matters. Keep office conversations as work-related as possible. Don’t give too much and unnecessary information about your opinions and personal life to random coworkers.
8. Do what’s right and continue doing your best.
Lastly, it all boils down to how you react to these situations you can’t seem to control. Continue doing what’s right and give your best. Besides, you must deliver your tasks well and produce results for your employer.