​Experiencing undermining behavior at work can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing. Whether it’s subtle comments that undercut your contributions or overt actions that sabotage your success, dealing with such negativity requires tact and resilience. Responding to workplace criticism and addressing workplace negativity is essential not only for your professional growth but also for maintaining a positive work environment. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to handle these challenging situations with grace and strength.

1. Recognize the Signs of Undermining

Before you can effectively respond to workplace criticism, you need to recognize the signs of undermining. This behavior can take many forms, including:

• Dismissive Comments: Colleagues might dismiss your ideas in meetings or downplay your achievements.

• Exclusion: Being left out of important meetings or communications can be a deliberate attempt to undermine your role.

• Sabotage: More direct forms of undermining include sabotaging your projects or misrepresenting your work to others.

• Credit Stealing: Taking credit for your work is another common way people undermine their colleagues.

Identifying these behaviors is the first step in addressing workplace negativity effectively.

2. Stay Calm and Professional

When you first notice undermining behavior, it’s crucial to stay calm and maintain your professionalism. Reacting emotionally can sometimes exacerbate the situation. Take a deep breath and assess the situation objectively. Responding to workplace criticism with a level head demonstrates your ability to handle stress and maintain control. If the undermining behavior continues, document specific instances. Keep a record of what was said or done, when it happened, and who was involved. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to escalate the issue to HR or your manager later on.

3. Address the Issue Directly

Once you’ve identified and documented the undermining behavior, it’s time to address the issue directly with the person involved. 

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a private, neutral setting to discuss your concerns. Avoid addressing the issue in public or during a heated moment.

• Use "I" Statements: Frame your concerns using "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, “I feel that my contributions were not acknowledged in the meeting” instead of “You ignored my ideas.”

• Be Specific: Refer to the documented instances of undermining behavior. Provide clear examples to illustrate your point.

• Seek Resolution: Express your desire to resolve the issue and improve the working relationship. Ask for their perspective and listen actively to their response.

Addressing workplace negativity head-on can be uncomfortable, but it’s often the most effective way to foster a positive change.

4. Practice Self-Care

Dealing with undermining behavior and workplace negativity can be stressful and exhausting. It’s essential to practice self-care to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance. Don’t let work stress spill over into your personal life. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the strength and resilience to handle workplace challenges effectively.

Navigating undermining behavior at work requires a combination of awareness, communication, and resilience. By recognizing the signs, staying professional, addressing the issue directly, seeking support, building alliances, enhancing your skills, and practicing self-care, you can effectively respond to workplace criticism and address workplace negativity. Remember, setbacks are opportunities for growth, and with the right approach, you can emerge stronger and more confident in your career.