How NOT to Get Bitten By the Office Snake

How NOT to Get Bitten By the Office Snake In an ideal world, wed rock up to work to  be greeted by a team of smiling faces, all of whom have our back at all times and want the best for us. Theyd be like family members (the likeable  kind); they would lift us up when were feeling down and say positive things to keep us inspired. Theyd share their wisdom with us and wed gladly impart ours on them, too. Theyd  vouch for us to senior management and sing our praises to clients. Wed be able to grab lunch with them and have a laugh. That, right there, is the dream. I say dream, because, while it is based on some kind of reality and totally possible in large parts, that kind of certainty does not exist in the workplace. Sure, most of us probably like our colleagues, but we can never rest on our laurels that a wolf in sheeps clothing wont  join and bring our  operation down from the inside. Sound dramatic and negative? Well, wherever your wellbeing and career is concerned, youve got to be wary. Some people, whether out of jealousy, insecurities, laze, general apathy or something more sinister will bring some pretty questionable agendas to the workplace. Youll soon be able to spot these people (lets call them snakes) because they tend to talk about people behind their backs, suck up to senior management, take credit for other peoples work and do just generally shifty things. They tend to turn people against each other, are quick to point the finger and are just downright scheming. They might appear friendly and hard-working at surface level, but when you delve a little deeper, youll find theyre most certainly not your friend and they definitely are not hard-working. Often, they slowly bring people down, trying to push themselves up. Think youve identified one in your office? Heres how to avoid being bitten by them: Keep your distance Dont become all buddy-buddy with them, thinking if youre best mates theyll spare you their venom. Some office snakes are really charming, funny and enigmatic. They can be quite intimidating  and  try to pull as many people close as possible, only to use them to get what they want at any price. They are NOT loyal friends. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Dont trust them Remember that these people can be very manipulative. They can make you forget that they have ulterior motives. They will use you for information and use it against you. Dont give them what they want; do not trust them and always keep them at arms length. Be vague with personal information and definitely dont put anything to them in writing that you wouldnt want broadcast on national television. Dont fall into their trap Its amazing how peoples attitudes rub off on those around them. If they are bickering or gossiping about another colleague, dont fall into the trap of playing along. Dont engage with their questionable behaviours. Remove yourself from the situation where possible, as early as you can. You dont want to be associated with the snake. Expect them to attack You dont want to be paranoid, but constantly being alert and ready for them to do something two-faced or back-stabbing will constantly remind you not to reveal too much to them, or make yourself an easy target. Stand your ground If you feel youve already been lightly bitten  by them, dont let them get away with it without an explanation. Make sure you find a way to let them know that you are not someone to be crossed. You do not want to get aggressive, and you might have to kill them with kindness, but do not admit defeat and become someone they can walk over. Dont rely on them for anything Never give them the benefit of the doubt and never hope for the best. Do not ask any favours of them and try to detach yourself from their operations as much as possible. The more separate you keep your work, the better. Enlist the right support While its not always the answer, seeking some advice from other relevant professionals (boss or HR) might be necessary if you spot someone who appears to be dangerous. Its likely you arent the only one with your concerns. Always seek professional advice if  you genuinely dont know how to avoid getting bitten! You an choose your friend, but you cant choose your colleagues. In most circumstances, youll be working with like-minded people who share the same values as you. Some of the best friendships and relationships start at work, and thats what we all hope for! But dont be naive to different personality types and the snakes that slither their way through their careers. Dont  let yourself be bitten!