"I have a colleague who is calling me a 'backstabber'."

Dear Office-Politics,

I have a colleague who, from time to time, will accuse me of something... usually vague. What unnerves me is that I don't know if he says such things to other people. I really suspect that he does. For example, just now he's calling me a "backstabber." I swear I have not intentionally done any backstabbing, and I have no idea what he might be talking about. I don't really want to complain uneccessarily, because my feeling is that the accuser in such situations is always looked upon with suspicion. And this guy gets a lot of sympathy, because he has a family, and I think it's pretty common knowledge that he has significant financial difficulties. I don't know if he\'s just paranoid, or if it's political warfare. What should I do?

Feeling Slandered

Dear Feeling Slandered,

Focus your attention elsewhere where it can help you to get noticed for good actions. Focus on the positive. Think of his insults/comments rolling off your back -- like water off a duck.

There will always be people like him that you encounter in life. A metaphor that comes to mind -- He is in the shadows. You are in the sunlight. Don't let him drag you down. You have more important things to be concerned about.

Thanks for writing to Office-Politics.

Cheers,

Franke James
Co-creator, Office-Politics Game
www.officepolitics.com

Dear Office-Politics,

Thanks. Something occurred to me after I wrote today, and it seemed to take the edge off his mood. The rest of the day went smoother. Unfortunately, I share an office with him (and another guy) as of a couple of months ago, so there are more opportunities to clash. But at least it seems to have passed for the moment. Your words are reassuring. Thank you.

Feeling Slandered

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