Toxic People: Decontaminate Difficult People At Work: Without Using Weapons Or Duct Tape

Chapter 5. The Backstabber

Take I: How They Sound

Carol had worked hard to build a wonderful relationship with the company president, Jeffery. Lynn was hired in a similar capacity and immediately started a campaign to bring down Carol and undermine Jeffery's confidence in her. She told him some untrue stories about Carol criticizing his leadership capabilities. The fables were believable, and Carol heard through the grapevine that there was a chance she would be fired and Lynn would take her position.

Names Will Never Hurt Me

You may have heard Backstabbers like Lynn being referred to as psychopaths or snakes in suits. Interestingly, as many as one out of every 30 people in high-performing business situations has been identified as a Backstabber. This rate is several times higher than that of the general population. Are you surprised? These people have little conscience or ability to develop one. Their only goals seem to be power and personal gain. Maybe you've seen Backstabbers ruin other people's careers. Maybe you've been hurt by one yourself.

What to Look For

Backstabbers are gossips, and not only are they an integral part of the grapevine, they usually are the vineyard manager! Backstabbers spread damaging rumors and try to break down existing friendships. Taking credit for others' work and finding reasons to blame other people whenever anything goes wrong are typical behaviors for them.

Their cleverness includes quickly determining other people's limitations and taking advantage ...