Navigating Workplace Tensions: Techniques to Handle Undermining Team Members

Dealing with a team member who dislikes and undermines you can be a challenging aspect of professional life. This article provides actionable strategies to address the issue, fostering a healthier work environment.

Understand the Root Cause

Often, individuals may not realize how their behavior comes across. It's important to address the issue openly and constructively. Consider initiating a conversation with the individual about their behavior. By asking why they engage in destabilizing actions, you may uncover underlying causes such as feeling threatened or unappreciated. Use this understanding to address their concerns.

Assert Yourself with Respect

Taking a firm stance is essential when faced with undermining behavior. Clearly communicate that such behavior is not acceptable. If it continues, consider mirroring their actions for a limited time. This can make them understand the impact of their behavior on the dynamics of your working relationship.

Understand Their Perspective

Empathizing with the individual's perspective can provide valuable insights. They may have a unique skill set or knowledge that gives them leverage over others. By studying what makes them great and improving yourself, you can level the playing field. Moreover, this approach can help transform the dynamic from one of contention to collaboration.

Interrupt the Cycle of Threat

The undermining behavior is often driven by a sense of threat. This threatened feeling can spiral into aggressive or passive-aggressive actions, which can be equally detrimental. To break this cycle, focus on creating a safe and confident environment for yourself.

Physical Techniques to Combat Threat

Engage in simple yet effective physical exercises to train your nervous system. For instance:

Deep Breathing: Before an interaction or shortly after arriving at work, find a quiet space and take ten deep breaths placed upwards with your hands like you're punching the sky. This technique helps calm your mind and prepare you for the conversation. Havening Technique: Rub your hands down your upper arms to your elbows using opposite shoulders. This action triggers a relaxation response and shifts your brainwaves to a calm state, reducing feelings of threat.

These techniques can help you approach the interaction with a sense of safety and confidence, which can also influence the other person to do the same.

Professional Development

Continuous professional development is key. By upgrading your skills and knowledge, you can counteract the leverage that the undermining team member might have, thereby fostering a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

Conclusion

Addressing undermining behavior in the workplace requires a combination of assertiveness, empathy, and physical techniques. By employing these strategies, you can create a healthy, respectful, and productive work environment. Remember, the goal is to foster collaboration and mutual respect, turning a negative dynamic into a positive one.