Spotting Career Saboteurs

“While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society’s pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole
That he’s in.”

Bob Dylan – Excerpt from “It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding”

Career is inherently competitive.  Some play by the rules while others opt for an unscrupulous approach to reach success.  Here are just five types of saboteur you will meet throughout your career along with advice on how to beat them at their own game.

1.  Overzealous and Jealous – There are people who simple lack the emotional strength to function ethically in a capitalist society.  Instead of getting tough and improving themselves, their reaction is to give in to their jealously and pettiness, only focusing on ways to thwart the competition.  This category of saboteur tends to have their head halfway up the boss’s ass, really doesn’t do much for the company, and never stops talking to distract everyone from that fact.  If you spot one of these cretins, learn what you can about their role in the business.  How long have they been there?  What do they do?  How are they looked upon?  If they have been there for several years and perform a vital function you might be out of luck.  When you feel as though you are going to receive an offer from a prospective employer, ask if it is okay to be introduced to the staff.  This at least gives you a chance to recognize someone like this ahead of time.

2.  Nuts – Some people simply have a screw loose.  Their work habits are terrible and irrational.  There is no rhyme or reason to their decision-making but the boss likes him for one reason or another.  You will find these people are usually considered attractive and have likely reached their position based more on that than the value they bring to their position.

3.  Complainers – Hang around them long enough and you will automatically be considered one too.  Easy fix = Get rid of ‘em

4.  Arrogant S.O.B. – These legends in their own minds can’t imagine anyone having equal ability to them when bringing value to the department.  This person has usually been cultivated by a weak supervisor who places way too much value on this one employee and is willing to cater to them regardless of how it might affect others.  If an arrogant S.O.B. exists, immediately see this as a sign of poor leadership and consider looking elsewhere.  Fighting this situation simply isn’t worth it.

5.  Small-minded- They believe that there isn’t enough success to go around and are always in competition with other members of the staff when there isn’t any call for it.  It is all or nothing for these folks and are counterproductive to creating a team-oriented approach to work.  Instead of helping co-workers when they see they are experiencing challenges, they exploit that weakness to make themselves look better.  To counter this small time thinker, use Keith Ferrazzi’s advice in his book “Who’s Got Your Back?” and create a “Lifeline group” with other members of the department.  By working together and holding each other accountable to the goals you set for yourselves practically assures you create a strong team that will always prevail over the small-minded.

What types of career saboteurs have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with it?