Toxic Vibes: Teamworking and Undermining Behaviour

Ever been in a spot where someone is throwing shade at a teammate, trying to trip them up or make them look bad? That sneaky behaviour, known as undermining, isn’t just petty—it messes with people’s heads and the whole vibe at work. Let’s break down why this kind of behaviour is a bad move, what it does to the people on the receiving end, and how to keep things real and respectful instead.

What Does Teamwork Undermining Look Like?

Undermining isn’t always loud or obvious. It’s often subtle, like:

• Talking behind someone’s back to spread doubt about their skills (sometimes in pre-meetings to rally others)

• Taking credit for someone else’s work or ideas or even stealing ideas and taking over

• Sabotaging projects by withholding info or support

• Constantly criticising or nit-picking in front of others

• Ignoring or excluding someone from important conversations

  
  

These moves might seem small, but they add up fast and create a toxic environment.

How Undermining Hurts Your Colleagues

When someone gets undermined, it hits them in more ways than one:

• Confidence takes a hit: Imagine working hard and feeling like your efforts get erased or twisted. That crushes motivation.

• Stress and anxiety spike: Constant doubt and drama make it hard to focus or enjoy work.

• Trust breaks down: People start second-guessing their teammates and holding back, which kills teamwork.

• Career growth stalls: If your work isn’t seen or gets stolen, chances to shine and move up vanish.

• Mental health suffers: Feeling isolated or attacked can lead to burnout or worse.

  
  

For example, Sarah, a graphic designer, noticed her ideas were often dismissed in meetings, only to see similar concepts praised when presented by others. Over time, she stopped sharing ideas, feeling invisible and frustrated. That’s the real cost of undermining.

Why Do People Undermine Others?

It’s not always about being a jerk. Sometimes it’s:

• Insecurity: People feel threatened and try to protect their turf.

• Competition: They want to get ahead by pushing others down.

• Lack of awareness: Some don’t realize how their actions affect others.

• Poor leadership: When bosses don’t set clear standards, toxic behaviour sneaks in.

  
  

Knowing this helps us tackle the root cause instead of just the symptoms.

How Undermining Backfires on the Underminer

Trying to trip up your colleagues might seem like a shortcut to success, but it usually boomerangs:

• Loss of respect: People notice who’s playing dirty and avoid working with them.

• Damaged reputation: Word spreads fast, and no one wants to team up with a troublemaker.

• Missed opportunities: Collaboration dries up, and so do chances for growth.

• Workplace isolation: Eventually, underminers find themselves on the outside looking in.

  
  

So, the “win” they’re chasing often turns into a lose-lose.

Keeping It Real: How to Avoid Undermining and Build Each Other Up

Creating a positive vibe at work starts with how we treat each other. Here are some streetwise tips to keep it real:

1. Speak Up, Don’t Tear Down

If you have concerns about a teammate’s work, talk directly and respectfully. Instead of gossiping or criticizing behind their back, offer honest feedback one-on-one.

2. Share Credit Where It’s Due

When a project succeeds, shout out everyone who helped. Recognising others builds trust and shows you’re a team player.

3. Be Transparent and Supportive

Keep your colleagues in the loop. Share info, offer help, and don’t hold back resources just to get ahead.

4. Focus on Your Own Growth

Instead of worrying about others’ success, put energy into improving your skills and work. Confidence in yourself reduces the urge to undermine.

5. Build Bridges, Not Walls

Invite others to collaborate, include them in conversations, and celebrate their wins. A strong network beats toxic drama every time.

6. Call Out Toxic Behaviour

If you see someone undermining others, don’t stay silent. Address it calmly or bring it up with a manager. Silence lets bad vibes spread.

Real Talk: What Leaders Can Do

Bosses set the tone. Here’s how they can squash undermining:

• Create clear rules about respect and teamwork

• Encourage open communication and feedback

• Recognise and reward collaboration, not just individual wins

• Provide training on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution

• Act quickly when toxic behavior pops up

  
  

When leaders walk the talk, the whole team feels safer and more motivated.