Six types of people you shouldn’t trust in a workplace

“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other.” Well, if Simon Sinek said it, it must be true. Workplace culture is shaped and driven by the kind of leadership and the employees. A team is usually composed of a mixed bag of people—the punctual, the latecomer, the workaholic, the snitch, and the optimistic—and each has their own goals and working and communication styles. This can usually affect your mental health and working style and can contribute to a poor working environment. A 2021 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management stated that nearly 45 per cent of Indians dread going to work due to poor workplace culture. 

So, while you navigate your professional life, bond with your co-workers and more, it’s essential to know who you can rely on and trust, but more importantly, whom you shouldn’t. Here’s a list of five types of people you shouldn’t trust in a workplace because we’re not so sure they have your best interests at heart. So take this cue to be more aware, and draw your boundaries. 

The credit stealer 

Have you ever experienced someone sneakily slipping in their name and taking credit for something you have done? Or felt that your work went entirely unnoticed because of how another co-worker portrayed their role in a project? All signs point to this person being a credit stealer. And no, they cannot be trusted. This person could be a colleague or even your boss. And if they’ve done it once, chances are they’re likely to do it again, no matter how much they assure you about giving the credit you deserve. You can communicate with them by speaking up for yourself and what you feel about the situation. 

The one who is always defensive 

They say, “To err is human”—apparently it doesn’t apply to some people. You know those people who think they’re always right and would do anything to prove it? People who are always on the defensive when anyone points out an error in their way are not to be trusted. Here’s why. Trying to communicate with someone who can never admit they’re wrong is like trying to talk to a wall; sometimes, a wall that pushes back. How can you express your thoughts and opinions with a co-worker unwilling to see things from another perspective? We’d recommend keeping your guard on while interacting with such people. 

The underminer 

Have you ever been made to feel that the work you do is never up to the mark? Or no matter how many hours of work you put in, it’ll never be enough? It’s time to bid adieu to the underminer—the one who takes a condescending tone while speaking to you, making you feel lesser than you are. While constructive criticism and feedback should always be welcomed, no one has the right to make you feel you’re not smart or hardworking enough. Draw your boundaries with people who think they can determine your self-worth. Trusting them is not likely to help you grow as a person. 

The one who never sticks to their words 

“I promise I’ll complete the task by EOD.” 
“I’ll be sure to include you the next time we have such a meeting.” 
But… it never really happens. If you’ve experienced such instances, chances are you have the never-sticks-to-their-words type of person at your workplace. If your work is suffering because this person was unable to go through with a commitment they made, you have little reason to trust them again. And they’re either working entirely out of self-interest or are careless. You can either keep giving them chances to prove themselves (with the risk of being disappointed) or figure out how to navigate certain tasks yourself or ask someone else for help. 

The one who doesn’t respect your boundaries

Major red flag alert. If your co-worker does not respect your boundaries, they’re not worth trusting and relying on. The boundaries could range from having fixed working hours, saying no, taking breaks, or anything else. This person, who may be a teammate or a superior, will expect you to drop your priorities and boundaries when something at work pops up. Of course, sometimes it’s okay to work beyond your usual hours or work that extra weekend if required, but know that drawing boundaries is definitely a good thing and trusting someone who doesn’t respect them will take you for a ride. 

The one who plays an unfair game

Honestly, cliquey behaviour is for high school and is not considered cool anymore. Still, some people play unfairly by displaying exclusionary behaviour and not communicating with absolute honesty and transparency. This person or group of people may make you feel like you don’t belong in this workplace or leave you out of important meetings. If you notice this constantly happening, we recommend bringing it up with your boss.