3 Signs a Coworker is Sabotaging You

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?A new study indicates sabotage in the workplace is alive and well. Even worse, the research shows managers are 2X more likely to sabotage a coworker than a regular employee is. And that's in a good economy. FYI - Just wait until the impending market correction hits.

3 Signs Your Coworker Is Sabotaging You

In my 15+ years as a career coach for Work It Daily, I have heard hundreds of stories of career sabotage. Usually, from the poor employee whose career took the hit. Prior to becoming a career coach, I spent years in the HR and recruiting industry. So, I've seen how sabotage plays out in the workplace. Here's the problem. There are three sides to every story: your's, their's, and the truth that lies somewhere in between. That said, I can tell you that if you're experiencing one of the following situations, it's likely you're being sabotaged.

1. Your boss lets you know there's been "anonymous feedback" about your performance.

Any time you are told there's been negative feedback about you, but the person doesn't want to tell you themselves, there's a good chance you are being sabotaged. Coworkers who care about you as a professional will find the tactful way to share their concerns. Whereas, a coworker who could care less if you stay or go is more inclined to pass the feedback along in secret.

2. You suddenly have assignments or tasks taken away from you due to concerns about your abilities.

When work is being removed from your plate without any previous warning you were failing, it's a sign someone has quietly made it clear you can't be trusted with the task. Not being given a chance to fix your performance indicates whoever shared the concern made a very compelling case to get it out of your hands - fast. And, once you've essentially been "demoted", your perceived value drops. Putting you at risk for termination due to under performance.

3. You find yourself being called out in a meeting and are blindsided by the unexpected criticism.

Getting told for the first time within a group setting you're not meeting standards or have made critical errors is designed to embarass you and shake your confidence. Coworkers that care enough would pull you aside and try to help you in private. Whereas, those that point out your mistakes in front of others without telling you first are looking to undermine your credibility on the team. And, once you get labeled as mistake-maker, it can be tough to get others to see you any other way.

What's the solution? Always have allies... ALWAYS.

In my experience, the only way to win against sabotage is to have office allies. Anyone that thinks they don't is playing a short-sighted career game. Today, collaboration is key and your network is your net worth. You can't win against sabotage without allies. More importantly, trying to round some up when you are in the throws of the sabotage is too little, too late. Knowing how to build strong relationships is core to a successful career. In fact, it's how you can make sure that sabotage doesn't happen in the first place.

P.S. - Interested in working with me and my team of career coaches privately? The video below explains what a "Career Growth Club" is and why I founded one for talented professionals like you!