Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace: Dealing with Weasels

Below we talk about different types of inappropriate behavior in the workplace, the weasels you find engaging in such behavior, and what you can do to deal with them.

Types of Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace discussed:

• The Backstabbing Weasel
• The Slacker Weasel
• The Credit-taking Weasel
• The Lying Weasel
• Superstar Weasels
• Boss Weasels

What is a weasel?  (Or Who engages in Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace?)

• In Nature: A rodent or vermin predisposed to aggressive and undesirable behavior, but also known for its cleverness and guile.
• In the Workplace: A rodent or vermin predisposed to aggressive and undesirable behavior, but also known for its cleverness and guile.

General rules for dealing with Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace

• Anticipate weasel-behavior.  You know these people – who can you expect to act like a weasel, and under what circumstances?
• Insulate yourself from inappropriate behavior in the workplace.  If you know a coworker has a high propensity to act like a weasel, then find ways to avoid that person.  Pick a different table to eat your lunch at.
• Bring inappropriate behavior in the workplace into the open.  Weasels don’t like bright light, so by drawing attention to their bad behavior, you may see a decrease in it.
• Park emotions – focus on facts.  You do not need to play along with inappropriate behavior in the workplace.  The best remedy is to have good information and facts at your disposal, and to avoid becoming emotional in response to inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
• Never lower yourself to “weasel-ness”.  Your worst possible response is to retaliate with similarly poor behavior.  You will be much better served in the longer term by taking the high road.

Specific Remedies to Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace

• The Backstabber – Normally, a backstabber will denigrate others to you and everyone else.  When they are doing so, tell them you don’t find the behavior constructive, and challenge them to be direct with those concerned.  These weasels generally lack the courage to do so, and as such the behavior will be minimized.
• The Slacker – Tell the slacker the impact of his/her non-performance has on the team and team members.  Do not exaggerate or be emotional, but rather be factual and calmly explain the impact
• The Credit-taker – Ask the credit-taker about the contributions others have made to the team or the cause.  This will force them to acknowledge they are not the only person in the world.
• The Liar – It is important not to back a lying weasel into a corner, otherwise, you might get bit.  Don’t accuse the liar of anything, but rather focus on the facts of the situation.  Use conditional language such as, “It may not have been your intent, but your comments could be construed as misleading…”
• Superstars – Every organization loves its Superstars, but sometimes, such employees are very high maintenance.  You need to acknowledge their skill, but remind them of others’ contributions to the team, and subtly reinforce that no one is indispensible.
• The Boss Weasel – It is particularly tricky if you have a boss that engages in inappropriate behavior in the workplace.  If you choose to confront the behavior, you may want to have a backup plan ready – such as alternative employment.

3 Things to Remember about Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace

1. Don’t encourage poor behavior.  Even if the behavior is not directed at you, tell people you don’t find it appropriate
2. Don’t be emotional about any inappropriate behavior.  Focus on facts of the situation and don’t embellish the details.
3. You only control your own behavior, so you need to focus on that.  Do not get caught responding to inappropriate behavior by acting equally as poorly.

Watch the ‘3-Minute Crash Course’ about Inappropriate Behavior in the Workplace (CLICK THE ARROW TO START THE VIDEO):

Looking for the Full-Length Podcast/Video? …

Get Instant Access to 200+ Cheat Sheets, Videos, and Other Immediately Usable Tools for Busy Managers – Try Out a Wily Manager Membership Today!