How To Handle Fake Colleagues At Work With Confidence

Have you ever felt a colleague being too sweet and generous towards you, but then criticising you behind your back? Let’s be honest, we all have encountered fake people in our life. No matter what profession you pursue, fake colleagues are a part of it. Not everyone wants to see winning in life and the sad truth is that you can’t ignore or get rid of them. But you can learn tricks to deal with them smartly. Dr Gorav Gupta CEO, Senior Psychiatrist Tulasi Healthcare and Sohini Rohra, Mental Advocate & Psychologist shared tips and tricks on how you can deal with these fake colleagues. 

Dr Gorav Gupta said, “Dealing with fake colleagues at work requires a strategic approach to protect your well-being and maintain a positive environment.” 

Sohini Rohra said, "Excessive flattery, spreading gossip, or acting supportive to your face but undermining you behind your back, are behaviours you can look for in fake people.” “Dealing with fake colleagues at work requires a combination of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategic action," she added. 

Ways To Deal With Fake Colleagues

Here are the ways to deal with fake colleagues: 

Set Boundaries

The first thing you need to do is to establish clear boundaries to protect yourself from manipulation or exploitation. You are advised to politely assert your limits regarding personal information, workload, or collaboration. This helps you maintain control over your interactions.

Maintain Professionalism

Keep interactions professional and courteous. Avoid engaging in negative behaviour or gossip, as this could reflect poorly on you. Focus on your work and stay above the drama, which helps preserve your reputation.

Document Behaviour

If you notice concerning behaviour (what is toxic relationship), such as gossiping or manipulation, document specific incidents. This record can be valuable if you need to address the situation with a supervisor or HR, providing clear evidence of the issues.

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Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted coworkers, mentors, or supervisors. They can offer guidance and perspective, helping you handle the situation more effectively. Sohini Rohra said, “Building alliances with trustworthy colleagues can also help mitigate the impact of fake coworkers. By fostering a supportive network, you ensure that you’re not isolated, and it becomes harder for a fake colleague to manipulate situations against you.” 

Focus On Your Work

Concentrate on your professional goals and priorities, despite any distractions caused by fake colleagues. By channelling your energy into your work (how to deal with workplace toxicity), you can maintain your integrity and rise above the negativity. 

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Confrontation  

Sohini Vohra emphasised that if the situation escalates, consider having a candid, non-confrontational conversation with the colleague, expressing your observations and concerns. Sometimes, bringing their behaviour to light can prompt a change. However, if the behaviour persists or worsens, it may be necessary to escalate the issue to HR or management, providing documented evidence of any problematic behaviour.

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