4 of 10

Write now Article Tools

You're hurt. You're angry. You expected backstabbing in high school, but in the office?

Here are some tips for coping when you work with a back-stabber:

1. Take a deep breath. You already know that it's a rocky ride. Maybe it's that your boss used to hold you in confidence and now is talking more with someone else. When you take a step back from the situation, you'll better be able to recognize that he or she did this to someone else before you, will do it to the person you were replaced with and, in time, will do it to the next guy too. That won't necessarily make you feel better, but it will help you to de-personalize the situation a little bit.

2. Refuse to give in to the urge to get him/her back. Just because your boss stabbed you in the back doesn't mean that you should pull up all of the dirt that you've filed away over time. Retaliation will often only make a bad situation even worse.

3. Did your back-stabbing boss take a great idea and make it his or her own? Your next best bet might be to re-examine your initial idea: what can you do to make it even better? If you can improve upon the idea, you will still get the credit in the end.

4. Set your feelings aside. Unless you are planning to leave the job immediately, you will still need to work with the person. Focus on your work. Focus on turning in reports and getting tasks accomplished. You'll only hurt yourself if you don't.

5. Keep your thoughts and ideas to yourself; keep work communication about work. It may be challenging, but your workplace IS your workplace. If you are afraid of ideas being taken from you and run with by your backstabbing boss, establish your reputation. Your boss' boss will eventually take notice and see the reality of the situation.

And, of course, if you cannot stand working for a back-stabber of a boss, start looking for other jobs. After all, if you don't enjoy going to work and cannot stand your boss, the job isn't a great fit for you anyway: just get through it while you are there and be sure to leave on your own terms.

Learn more about this author, loveinvented.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Bad bosses: How to work for a back-stabber?
We want to hear your view. Write now!