Backstabbers

Backstabbers

Who are backstabbers?
Backstabbers are the people who act well in front of you but go against you behind your back. They appear supportive when who are around but when you are not, they go spreading bad rumors and tarnishing your reputation.


According to the Australian institute of management, there are four main kinds of backstabbers.
The pundit is one who starts rumors about you or contributes to existing rumors. The lobbyist is someone who consistently and persistently uses you to pursue his personal agenda. The covert operator is someone like a lobbyist who manipulates everyone around him to get ahead. The adviser is someone who is close to the boss but also acts as his eyes and ears and feeds him with negative information.
Backstabbers usually emerge during tough economic times and corporate culture change.

So what can you do about them?

Build a strong support foundation
Regardless of the type of backstabber, the steps you have to take against them are the same. You have to be really careful about backstabbers as they can have strong negative consequences. They can get you fired not directly, but by building a strong case against you without you knowing. You have to tune into the grape wine and build strong relationships with people who do not backstab especially those above your level. This strong support foundation will give you leverage against backstabbers who you will confront in the future.


Signal them that you are watching them
You also have to let them know that you know they are backstabbing you and that you are watching them. This can be best done by mentioning some of their backstab attempts or falsifying their rumors in public, when they are around. This has to be done effectively with supporting evidence and would be good if you have your support foundation around.

Confront them
Confrontation should always be done diplomatically and publicly with strong evidence. Approach the person according to his or her style. Some people are sarcastic; you need to strongly question any sarcastic statement to root out any sarcasm. Others bluff on circumstantial facts; you need to drill down and examine their facts whilst presenting them with strong evidence in a public confrontation.
Control your temper, in workplace confrontations, the hothead usually looses. And your hot-headed utterances may turn poisonous and you can end up kicking yourself out of the company. Always be logical and take imagine it’s a court case. If you think you can wind them up, go ahead get their blood hot, but we don’t recommend this.  

Mentoring
Consulting a mentor is another good option. Tell the mentor about your suspicions, you could tell other colleagues about is as well which will shield the stab but this may look unprofessional sometimes as people may assume that you are also spreading rumors.  Jointly consulting a mentor with your backstabber may be impractical at times but if you do so make sure it is not about take revenge but mending a working relationship.

Figure out the root cause
Backstabbing may just be a symptom of a cause more significant. Find the common denominator behind your backstabbers. “People don’t hate you for your weaknesses, they hate you for your strengths” – Woody Allen. Find out if its jealousy or insecurity the backstabber feels or if it’s just habit. Addressing the cause is more important as a jealous or insecure backstabber may do more than just backstab. You may as well end up solving the main problem.

Flag them
One someone has backstabbed you do not forget it. Backstabbing is a habit that is hard to get rid of. They have a aver high tendency to repeat the act, so always be carefully about them and treat them justly so that they have reason to go against you again. At the same time do not treat them badly or take it out on them just because they backstabbed you, be cautious but fair.
Backstabbers also have other character traits that should be looked for. They appear caring in front and apathetic behind you, like worms inside a shiny red apple. They cheat people and lie to get away from problems. They are people you have to keep away from and not associate with. Don’t rely on them or reveal any personal information to them. Work diplomatically with them.


Finally, be careful when you talk to backstabbers, they might be recording you.

Arquib Ismail

hSenid Business Solutions

  • Read 17180 times
  • Last modified on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 06:40
Super User

HR Sri Lanka aims to create a common ground for HR practitioners to share views and experiences.

Website: hsenidbiz.com/