Trust and mutual respect lay the foundation for a productive and positive environment in any workplace. But what happens when you feel someone is subtly—or even overtly—working against you? Being undermined at work can take many forms, from whispered doubts about your abilities to intentional misinformation that sets you up for failure, possibly affecting your career growth, mental health, and productivity.
Feeling like your efforts aren’t valued or that someone is intentionally blocking your success can erode confidence and make it difficult to stay motivated. This article will walk you through some examples of being undermined at work so you can recognize them early, giving you the tools to assess each situation carefully.
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What is undermining behavior at work?
Undermining in the workplace refers to actions or behaviors that subtly or directly harm someone’s reputation, progress, or confidence. Unlike outright bullying, which is usually more obvious, undermining can operate under the radar, making it harder to identify and address.
This behavior can stem from various motives, such as insecurity, jealousy, or a desire to stay ahead in a competitive environment. Often, people who feel threatened by a colleague’s performance or potential will try to minimize or question their achievements to maintain their own standing.
The potential consequences
The subtle nature of undermining behavior can create ambiguity, making it difficult for victims to articulate their experiences or seek support. For the individual being undermined, it can lead to stress, decreased job satisfaction, and burnout.
Cultural or organizational factors, such as a highly competitive corporate environment, can foster an atmosphere where undermining behavior becomes frequent. The long-term effects can be detrimental. The organization may experience high employee turnover and reduced overall performance. Undermining behavior can disrupt team dynamics, eroding trust and collaboration, which may ultimately affect productivity and morale.
9 common signs someone is undermining you at work
Undermining can take many forms, ranging from passive-aggressive remarks to outright sabotage. While the specific behaviors vary, a common theme is that they’re typically subtle, indirect, and manipulative, designed to undermine without obvious confrontation.
1. They withhold important information
“Usually, you find people withholding information from you and not giving the information you need to do your job effectively,” says Jeri Donaldson, chief human resources officer at EssayShark. This may include deadlines, meeting changes, and essential guidelines. The lack of information can slow your work and can also create the perception that you’re unprepared or unreliable.
2. They take credit for your ideas
“Someone stealing credit for your ideas or work is also a glaring sign of being undermined,” Donaldson says. This behavior can damage your reputation and make it seem you’re not contributing to the team’s success.
3. They spread gossip or negative rumors
People trying to undermine you might start rumors or engage in negative gossip that damages your credibility or reputation. This kind of behavior can erode trust and affect how others perceive you in the workplace.
4. They overstep boundaries
Peers acting as your manager by offering unsolicited directions or critiques may be undermining your position. This type of behavior crosses professional boundaries and impacts your authority, possibly creating confusion about roles within the team.
5. They socially exclude you
“Your team leaves you out of behavior or decisions you should be part of,” Donaldson says. This action can isolate you from valuable information and networking opportunities, making it harder to stay informed and engaged.
6. They criticize you publicly
When someone frequently criticizes you in front of the team, it can undermine both your confidence and authority. “The first indication of undermining behavior is subtle criticism,” Donaldson says. “Frequent, seemingly insignificant criticisms gradually lower one's confidence levels.” Being undermined at work by a boss or manager can feel especially hurtful.
7. They downplay your achievements
A manager or peer who consistently minimizes your successes or contributions may be attempting to keep you “in your place.” By subtly discrediting your accomplishments, they can lower your confidence and influence how others view your potential. For example, a manager might say something like: “The client was already leaning toward that solution, but I guess your report helped confirm it.”
8. They blame you for problems unrelated to your role
Shifting blame onto you for issues beyond your control is another tactic some people—often managers—use to undercut someone. This behavior may impact your performance reviews and can also damage your reputation in the workplace.
9. They micromanage or don’t allow autonomy
Excessive oversight or a refusal to let you make decisions independently can signal a lack of trust in your abilities, creating stress and limiting your growth. This behavior isn’t limited to supervisors; anyone who’s worked with an overly controlling coworker knows just how restrictive it can be. (Here's how to handle a co-worker who acts like your boss.)
Undermining vs. miscommunication: Understanding the difference
Not every behavior or comment is necessarily undermining. At times, it may simply be a misunderstanding. You can learn to accurately distinguish between these issues, to avoid uncomfortable situations and prevent escalating a problem that could be resolved more straightforwardly.
Misunderstandings can arise from various factors, such as differing communication styles, unclear expectations, or even stress. To recognize when an issue comes from miscommunication rather than intentional undermining, consider the context of the interactions.
“Isolated incidents can happen, but you must look for consistent behavioral patterns,” Donaldson says. If you notice a series of misunderstandings that seem to be directed at you, it might indicate deeper issues.
Also pay attention to changes in a colleague’s behavior. If a coworker who usually collaborates well with you suddenly begins acting differently, it may warrant further investigation. Neutral follow-up questions can provide insight into their intentions, like asking for clarification on comments made during meetings or seeking their perspective on a project. You can also seek feedback from other colleagues to check if they’ve noticed similar behavior.
It's worth noting that undermining behavior might be symptomatic of a larger systemic issue within the workplace. If the undermining seems to be widespread or connected to the organization's culture, it may be helpful to seek broader support, such as from HR or a trusted manager, to address the issue on a larger scale and advocate for a healthier work environment.
How to deal with being undermined at work
Address undermining behavior with a strategic approach to prevent the problem from impacting your professional performance and even your relationships with colleagues. Here are some practical tips on how to deal with undermining at work.
Build stronger professional relationships
Establish strong relationships with colleagues to create a support system that helps mitigate the effects of undermining. Attend team-building activities, engage in open discussions, and show genuine interest in your coworkers’ projects. This foundation of trust can lead to more open communication and a collaborative atmosphere, making it harder for undermining behaviors to take root.
Address the behavior directly
Consider talking to the individual privately and professionally to see if the issue can be resolved. “Address the person directly by having a calm, private conversation to address your concerns,” Donaldson says. This approach allows you to express your feelings and seek clarification on their intentions. It’s possible that they may not be aware of their behavior and its impact on you.
Seek mentorship and support
Finding a mentor within or outside the company can be exactly what you need during challenging times. Mentors can offer valuable insights based on their own experiences and help you develop strategies for managing difficult workplace dynamics. Talking to trusted co-workers might also help, by reminding you that you are not alone in facing these challenges.
Remind yourself of your value
Dealing with undermining behavior can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Building resilience and confidence is essential in overcoming these challenges. Focus on what you do best. “Everybody has some strengths that help them perform better than others,” Donaldson says. “Focus on these aspects and remind yourself of your skills and achievements.”
She also recommends continuing to invest in your professional development by upgrading your skills and knowledge, which can bolster your confidence and help you navigate difficult situations with greater ease. If necessary, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Know when to involve HR
If undermining behavior persists despite your sincere efforts to address it or significantly impacts your work performance and well-being, it may be time to escalate the matter to HR. “Keep a detailed record of instances where you experienced undermining behavior,” Donaldson says. “Prepare your case vigorously by documenting the incidents, identifying relevant emails or messages, and clearly describing how the behavior affects your work and well-being.”
Bottom line
Feeling undermined at work can be a challenging experience that impacts your career growth, mental health, and workplace relationships. Remember, it’s crucial to document incidents, build strong professional relationships, and address concerns directly when appropriate.
If you’re being constantly undermined at work, seeking mentorship or involving HR may be necessary steps to take. Ultimately, fostering a supportive work environment and staying confident in your potential are key to overcoming this challenge. You have the power to advocate for yourself and create a more positive and productive workplace.
FAQs
Is being undermined at work bullying?
While undermining behavior can feel like bullying, it doesn't always fit the typical definition, which involves repeated aggressive actions intended to harm someone. Undermining often manifests as subtle tactics, such as undermining someone’s authority or credibility, rather than outright aggression. However, if the behavior is persistent and damaging, it can contribute to a hostile work environment, warranting further action.
How to work with a colleague who undermines you?
Working with a colleague who undermines you can be challenging. Start by keeping professionalism and focus on your tasks. Building a positive relationship with them may help, but if their behavior continues, consider addressing it directly in a private, calm conversation. You can also seek guidance from a trusted mentor or manager on how to navigate the situation.
How to tell if a coworker is undermining you?
Signs that a coworker may be undermining you include withholding important information, taking credit for your ideas, or making passive-aggressive comments. If you feel consistently excluded from discussions or decisions relevant to your work, it may also indicate undermining behavior.
How to tell if your boss is undermining you?
If your boss is undermining you, you might notice patterns such as downplaying your achievements, publicly criticizing you or micromanaging your work. These behaviors can erode your confidence and authority.
Can undermining be addressed with HR?
Yes, undermining behavior can be addressed with HR, especially if it escalates or significantly affects your work environment and mental health. Before approaching HR, document specific incidents and gather any relevant evidence, such as emails or witness accounts. This preparation can help HR understand the situation better and take appropriate action.