how do I handle a gossipy backstabber at work?

Question

Of course I just want to bi%ch slap her mouth off her face, but I can't that would get me fired. What can I do to get her to mind her own business and leave me out of her gossip? She is about 45 years old and doesn't seem to have anything better to do then spread rumors and lies about me, I'm the only other girl that works here. I confronted her once but she denied it and lied to me about it. I would love nothing better than for her to get fired for gossip.

lots of feed back, let me be clear....I do not believe in revenge. she will get what is due her but not by my hand. I just FEEL like slapping her, I would never do it. When I talked to her I tried a tactful manner, but things continue. This is a small office and I stopped taking personal calls and stopped talking to her unless it is business related. She is just a bitter woman. i guess my next option is to find another job, and tell them why I am leaving...

Answer 1

Every work place you go to your going to have someone difficult to deal with. Just choose to not let it get to you, it's a part of life and a part of working with other women. It sucks when it happens to you but try to forgive forget and move on and focus on your work. Don't listen to gossip whenever you hear it. The person who told you what she is saying about you is gossiping also weather it's true or not it's gossip, just don't have anything to do with it and rise above the gossipers by staying kind no matter what.

Answer 2

You have one or two choices.1 You can be the better person and ignore all the gossip, keep doing a good job at work. Try to grow a thicker skin and remember, you're above such garbage and lies. Or you could confront her again, telling her that if the lies and the gossip don't stop you're going to hr telling hr she is making uncomfortable work environment.

Answer 3

I have gone through the same type thing at work. You have to learn to ignore it. If it is affecting you or if the gossip is about you then you should confront this person on an individual basis. Never let anyone see you sweat. Approach this individual in a suttle way. Once approached then let'm have it and tell them how you feel. If it goes further than that, always be prepared to talk to that persons' or your superior.

Answer 4

These situations suck!! Best course of action is to realize that your coworker is a snake and will continue to act out what is in her nature. You can however use this to your advantage, pump her for information on others and in general use her for your own purposes. (she is using you for hers) While spreading rumors isn't a good idea, expect that karma is going to come back to bite her in the behind. If anything you will be putting yourself in the better postion for promotions or whatever else good could be coming down the pipe. Otherwise find a new job and seperate yourself from the snake.

Answer 5

Another drama queen. Talk to your boss about her. But as the saying goes, "what comes around.......goes around". A person doesn't like to take a bite of the sh** they are serving so maybe you should dish some out. Wait, no then you would be bringing yourself to her level. I'm sure you know some of the people at work, just fill them in on whats she doing. A woman tried doing the same thing to me and after awhile she had no friends. No one would listen to her or liked her. I was sick of it. I went below her level. Good Luck with her.

Answer 6

have your boss institute a no gossip rule. Use her as an example.

Gossip destroys companies and kills honest communications. Also unfounded rumors is a legal liability no company wants.

Shut her down by calling her out with the higher ups. Give her a bad rep by detailing each and every example. She undermines you and everyone else with her backhanded commentary. She's a cancer...ignoring this will only poison the workplace.

Number one rule to power...protect your reputation at all costs.

Answer 7

Hmmm...rude jealous girls are always a challenge. Usually, the less ammunition you give them, the less they have to throw at you. I would say to completely ignore her, except for anything pertaining directly to work. Your initial reaction is to stand up for yourself, because nobody likes being goissiped about! But by confronting her, you just put yourself at risk for her to twist the story and tell more lies about you. Eventually she will get bored and move on and you will come out looking good because you didn't participate in the bi%chfest.

Answer 8

No matter how hard this may seem, I would just try to ignore her as much as possible. It's not worth you get fired over it. Besides, she's probably just doing it because she knows it makes you angry, and that makes her feel good. So just play it cool and act like you don't care about what she has to say. Then no one will believe her anyway because you will be the better person.

Answer 9

A.) Go above her and in a most professional manner, discuss this with her boss.
B.) Igonore it and her entirely and when she does such things, tell the people that hear it that you just can't trust her with info and they shouldn't either. Start giving her a bad wrap.
C.) Confront her again and be as firm as you can.
D.) ***** slap her and get fired.

Answer 10

talk to your office manager that's what they are there. She's threating the work environment. Ask if she can be moved or if you can. You're not comfortable with her around. Also see if you can catch her doing something and then nark on her. Maybe she'll get fired!! Good luck! I have some old nosey people at work like that too.