Confronting workplace sabotage

Workplace sabotage exists. The reality is that not everyone at work is your friend. I have been on the receiving end of this myself, and it is no fun! 

Before I share some strategies on how to handle sabotage, let’s get a clear picture of what is and is not. Sabotage is not a series of occasional misunderstandings in the workplace.

It's not about differences in work styles. Sabotage is not the constructive criticism or healthy competition that often characterise professional environments. Sabotage is a pattern of behaviour intended to undermine, manipulate, or harm your professional standing.

Sabotaging can include being left out of crucial meetings, other people taking credit for your work, getting blamed before being given the opportunity to explain yourself, being set up to look unprofessional in front of others, malicious rumours being spread about you, and being denied access to the tools you need to do your work properly. 

Being sabotaged can leave you feeling like you always have to look over your shoulder.

If you have experienced anything like this, then you are not paranoid, and you don’t have to let your saboteurs get the best out of you. Here are some precautions to take: 

Proactively engage in dialogue. Before engaging in a dialogue, assume your coworker is acting from a place of ignorance rather than malicious intent. Be brave and muster up the courage to have this conversation, keeping in mind that your career is on the line. 

Let your coworker(s) know you aim to achieve a collaborative workspace. Although this may be difficult, make an attempt to praise them for the work they do that adds value to the team and hear them out. 

Perhaps there is a specific reason your coworker is behaving a certain way towards you that can easily be resolved. However, if you are dismissed or attacked even further by engaging in a dialogue, you have alerted them that you are aware of their behaviour and are not afraid to address it.

Create a paper trail. Have written proof of your work and any interactions you may have had with said co-worker(s). This could include emails and texts that can act as proof to defend yourself in future. 

Creating a paper trail is a proactive measure that enables you to protect yourself, maintain clarity and accountability, and uphold professionalism in the workplace.

By documenting your work and interactions, you not only mitigate the risks of sabotage or misunderstandings but also demonstrate your commitment to integrity and excellence in your professional endeavours. 

Rise above the drama. Keep in mind that success is achievable for you, despite who tries to get in your way. This requires courage, self-discipline, and a commitment to excellence, rather than getting caught up in distractions or conflicts that detract from your potential.

Steer clear of gossip; you don't have to play a role in someone else's drama. Hostile and drama-seeking individuals usually move on when they do not achieve their desired results. Use their antagonism to fuel your professionalism as you continue to excel. 

Create an exit plan. In the event that rising above the drama proves insufficient, you may want to entertain the idea of completely leaving the toxic work environment. Apply for other jobs while on the job.

The world is full of opportunities! Get excited as you discover other viable work environments available to you. Your emotional and mental well-being is not worth the risk. 

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