12 Smart Ways to Identify Backstabbers

byOldMCSEGuy

5.9K followers

8 years ago

In today’s competitive market, you will find a number of people who are insincere in all avenues of life, both professionally and personally. Rivalries grow quicker in the professional world since the race is on to see who gets to the top first.

Working in an office is tough enough. No one needs a colleague who backstabs. It affects the morale of the office and job productivity because of its dishonesty.

The big question, though, is how to identify a backstabber. The backstabber certainly isn’t wearing a label on his forehead saying “Just wait, I’ll betray you soon.” Read on to discover what to look for in finding the backstabber.

How to Identify Backstabbers in the Workplace

1. Excessive flattery
2. Whispering
3. The Quarrel Starter
4. Stops Talking When You’re Near
5. Stealing Credit
6. The Chameleon
7. Only There When They Need You
8. They Cut Down Others When They Aren’t Around
9. Your Gut Tells You Something’s Up with This Person
10. Effects the Productivity of Others
11. The Gossip Queen
12. May Be the Encouraging Boss

Is someone you work with talking sweetly to you? This is the first sign. Backstabbers will often flatter a person to cover up for their bad behavior they’ve done behind your back. It gives the backstabber a thrill to puff up a person before they burst their trust bubble. So, if you feel you are getting unnecessary compliments, watch out for arrows flying at your back.

Note those conversations where you observe a specific person whispering continually with coworkers. It is the most common trait of backstabbers.

Even though you are the type with the calmest nature who stays away from fights at work, you find yourself in petty quarrels with one specific person. This is a red flag for the backstabber. The quarrels will likely not be about anything of significance. Yet, the backstabber takes pleasure in poking you and watching you get upset. Anyone who starts a fight and later calls it a joke is someone to be leery of.

Be observant of your colleagues in the workplace. Do you feel like they stop talking as soon as you walk past? The backstabber will stop talking immediately when he notices you’re near.

If you find that a colleague is being extra helpful with your tasks, being too enthusiastic about your projects and working extra hard to make it successful, it might be because they plan to take credit for it later. Particularly look out for those who use “I” more than “we” when working on a team.

These people are seen as lending a helping hand and encouraging team members. But, beware, they turn their backs on you as soon as the chance arises and will lay all the blame of a failing project right on your head.

This person says he’s your best friend. But, you only ever see him when he needs something. That doesn’t sit well, does it? Those who are there when they need help and then disappear when you need something aren’t sincere. Beware!

Be aware. Is there a person who is discussing other people behind their backs to others? If it seems belittling, there is a high chance that person is doing the same thing over and over. One day you will be the target.

Our subconscious is fascinating. It works brilliantly at judging people. Pay attention to how close your heart feels about someone. You will have a sense of something not being totally right and feelings of doubt about the person. So, listen to your gut, it has a lot of wisdom to share.

Is morale low? Is productivity floundering? Then you can be sure a backstabber is manipulating his way through the office. Backstabbers are full of negativity and they think it is their duty to share that negativity with others.

Notice the gossip queen. She flits and floats from cubicle to cubicle chatting with others. She may just be talkative which is fun. Or, she may be gossiping as she flies through the workplace. If you find she is talking about others, take great pride in catching this bug.

It is hard to believe, but yes, sometimes the boss is the guilty party. The most supportive bosses can misuse their authority and steal ideas from their employees.

Keep your mouth closed and your ears open to everything that goes on around your office. You will learn who you can trust and who you can’t. Do a little digging and find out information about potential backstabbers. There is nothing wrong with looking out for yourself.