Communication – Personal Development – Business

I continue to get emails about Toxic People and especially Backstabbers.

We have all encountered Backstabbers at work. (Remember the song about Backstabbers?) They are gossips, mean spirited and hurtful. In my research for the Toxic People book, one in every 30 people in high-performing business situations has been identified as a Backstabber. This rate is several times higher than that of the general population. Are you surprised? These people have little conscience or ability to change because their antics get them what they want. Their only goals seem to be power and personal gain. Pay attention to these people because they can tear up your road to success and kill your dreams.

Tags: Backstabbers, calm, mental terrorism, stay calm, Toxic by Marsha
1 Comment »

I enjoy receiving requests for help and guidance from readers. Here is one concerning a Backstabber in the office. How is your personal development? Do you have the communication skills to handle a situation like this? My comments are in ALL CAPS (AND I’M NOT SCREAMING!)

“A long-time employee in our office, who is respected by all of the companies shareholders, is a challenging person for her coworkers to work with. In the years I have worked with her, her interactions with me have always been positive. She is very skilled at projecting the desired image to those she perceives to be in positions of authority or power.”

Tags: Backstabbers, bad behavior, communications by Marsha
No Comments »

I love this! Deirdre McMurdy (Canada), Financial Post Published this Collenemy article today, and thanks to her, I learned a new “official term” for difficult people — “collenemy” — which is like a frenemy you know you have to deal with every day. Here is what she said…

“Marsha Petrie Sue, self-declared former collenemy, has written a book called Toxic People: Decontaminate Difficult People at Work Without Using Weapons or Duct Tape. She’s identified such characters as Steamrollers, Backstabbers, Know-It-Alls, Zipper Lips and Needy Weenies. You get the drift.”

Tags: Backstabbers by Marsha
1 Comment »

I was watching Ohio University students and a moderator recap the election results from yesterday. One student said that watching only the news is very dangerous ground because it can be slanted one way or the other. Then another student chimed in and said it was also deceiving to only rely on your own perception because of the role modeling and events that have happened to us as individuals. I believe personal responsibility is the key to growing mentally and eliminating the deception of one sided learning and thinking! So watch CNN, Fox, MSNBC, BBC and others, because it is your personal responsibility to broaden your focus AND keep an open mind!

Tags: Backstabbers, Deception, perception, personal responsibility, Politics by Marsha
No Comments »

Whether you are dealing with a Backstabber, Steamroller, Know-it-All or any other type of difficult behavior identified in Toxic People, fill your tool case with as much information as possible.  I just ordered the Microexpressions CD from Paul Ekman www.paulekman.com. 

This is a great tool that I think everyone should use and learn from.  Make sure your bucket is filled to the top with ideas you can apply every day!  Just a thought.

It is our job to learn how to handle difficult people!  Happy New Year.  It will be a GREAT ’08.  Marsha

Tags: awareness, Backstabbers, bad behavior, communications, difficult people, microexpressions, personal responsibility, sanity by admin
No Comments »

I’ve been asked to submit many articles lately, especially with the release of my book. Check out the latest article about Backstabbers posted at Women’s Media.

Writing the article reminded me that when we look at who we work with everyday, when we evaluate the 2008 elections or whatever our situation is – it is our personal responsibility to learn more and form our own opinions.

Don’t let anyone tell you someone else falls into a difficult behavior or a toxic person category. Learn for yourself. Gather information on your own, question, pay attention and take responsibility for creating your own thoughts.

Tags: awareness, Backstabbers, cooperation, dealing with difficult people, difficult relationships, Politics, x-rated behavior by Marsha
No Comments »