by R Shimoda

Created on: October 10, 2009   Last Updated: December 15, 2010

Ever since the beginning of time, mankind has had to deal with vermin like backstabbers. They've been present in all countries, sexes, religions, wars and generally wherever one finds humans. In order to figure out how best to deal with these lower life forms, you need to understand their motivation, which is simply they're always looking out for Number One. They don't care who they step on or destroy as long as they're taken care of, everyone else can go to Hell.

With that in mind, a backstabber will gather whatever information they can to impart to supervisors and your co-workers to make them look good at your expense. This leads us to technique number one, withhold information on mistakes. People who are overly friendly or eager to share examples of "when they've made mistakes" to get one to lower their guard, are not to be trusted. A backstabber's "mistake(s)" will be frequently something large (and unverifiable) or small (and commonplace) and are only to trick you into sharing your mistakes. Don't do it. Not even once because the backstabber will blow it all out of proportion and tell everyone. Keep details of your work to yourself and don't share it unless you know the listener is not a backstabber.

Avoidance of documentation is another tip-off when dealing with backstabbers. Frequently they will ask for information to be provided verbally or they will provide it verbally, knowing full well if you're not recording them on audio or video tape, it's very easy to deny what was said or heard. Email is a good way around this but be careful not to use ambiguous wording or else the backstabber can use it to their advantage to make you look bad. Keep copies of everything sent or received from them and if they're really bad, make sure your email program has a receipt feature selected so once they open the email, you get notified.

Managerial Fraternization is another tip-off for backstabbers. Typically the best way to do you the most harm is for them to share these stories about how "evil" you are with your boss or higher levels of management. If your suspected backstabber casually mentions playing golf with the department manager and you've noticed the same department manager is starting to get stricter with you, it's a good bet your friendly backstabber has shared a few stories about you. Fighting fire with fire seems to be the best approach so start getting to know these managers on your own. Go to the same volunteer events, ask to be included in a future golf

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