Ways To Thwart That Sickening Backstabber...

Hmmm...this is a good one which I think doesn't necessary apply to the working world but may even be tried on in your own backyard. Taken off MSN.com, the place where I get my daily fix of information & the place where I think, you SHOULD be exploring instead of those pornographic places you so commonly visit -oh, come on, don't give me that look; stop living in denial & admit to popping by those sites-, here's a thing or two that just might be helpful in getting those hypocrites off your back. Scroll down for some healthy tips.

Six Ways to Thwart a Backstabber at Work
By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Today's team-oriented work environments encourage employees to be open, work collaboratively and share ideas and insights. But while these conditions can be positive for productivity, they can also make you vulnerable to the office backstabber. You know, that devious co-worker who acts all friendly and supportive to gain information, even your trust, then jabs a knife between your shoulder blades when you're not looking.

None of this surprises Dr. Gary Namie, author of "The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job." Namie says backstabbing generally stems from jealousy, ambition and/or greed and that it is especially prevalent in environments that combine scarce resources, weak people and little or no accountability.

Namie also points out that supervisors backstab even more frequently than colleagues: They kiss up the ladder and attack down below.

What can you do to avoid turning your back into a knife rack?

1. Think Before You Speak.
Be careful not to say anything to anyone in the office that you wouldn't want repeated. Instead, find a mentor outside the company to reduce the likelihood that your secrets will be used against you.

2. Know How to Spot a Backstabber.
Is there a mismatch between a colleague's words and actions? Do you continue to misread a co-worker's intentions? Does a colleague's smile or praise seem false or a bit forced? Finally, does the individual have a history of backstabbing? People who have backstabbed before are likely to do so again, so learn from their past victims' experience.

3. Ally Yourself With Others; Distance Yourself From the Backstabber.
Stay as far away as you can from backstabbers while still maintaining your professionalism. But do form alliances with trustworthy colleagues for support, protection and to stay tuned into the grapevine.

4. Get Clarification.
If the backstabber is your boss, Namie suggests you ask for and record in writing the specific procedures your boss wants you to follow, the result he or she is after and the performance standards by which you will be evaluated. Supervisors can get away with backstabbing when there is ambiguity. Clarity usually puts an end to the confusion and the backstabbing.

5. Handle Confrontations Publicly.
Namie advises politely calling the backstabber on his actions in public. For example: Your being critical of this idea surprises me, as you gave me your full support and endorsed it when we met in my office last week.

6. Take the High Road.
Don't get into a mudslinging match. It will only make you look worse. Acting with integrity and dignity usually pays off in the shortrun and always pays off in the longrun.

And that's all for now. I'm off to watch Dude, Where's My Car? again at this ungodly hour. God knows why I'm toturing myself & my body like this. I'm a sucker for punishment, I guess. Hmpf.

Laterz...
Lenny JC