Workplace politics are complicated, and while some colleagues have your back, others wouldn’t think twice about selling you out if it benefited them.
Whether it’s deflecting blame, stealing credit, or setting you up to fail, some people see their job as a battlefield. If you’ve ever had that gut feeling that someone isn’t quite as friendly as they seem, here are some warning signs to watch out for. If you’re not careful, they might end up throwing you under the bus before you have time to stop them.
1. They only act nice when they need something.
One minute they’re all smiles, and the next, they’re barely acknowledging your existence. If someone only makes an effort when they need a favour, it’s a sign they’re not really on your side. These people are great at pretending to be friendly, but their loyalty disappears the second you’re no longer useful. Pay attention to whether they show up for you when it doesn’t benefit them. If the only time they make conversation is when they want your help, don’t expect them to have your back when it matters.
2. They never take responsibility for mistakes.
Some people have a magical way of always coming out clean, even when things go wrong. If there’s a mistake, they’ll somehow spin it so that it lands on someone else — usually the person who’s too nice to fight back. These types will never admit fault if there’s a chance to let someone else take the fall. If you notice a pattern of them avoiding blame even when something is clearly their fault, be cautious when working on projects together. Cover yourself by keeping records of your work and making sure your responsibilities are clearly documented.
3. They take credit for your ideas.
Few things are more frustrating than coming up with a great idea, only to hear someone else present it as their own. Some colleagues have no shame when it comes to taking credit for other people’s work, and they’ll do it as often as they can get away with it. They’re happy to stand in the spotlight, but they’ll never acknowledge the work you put in. The best way to deal with this is to make sure your contributions are known. Speak up about your work in meetings, send follow-up emails summarising discussions, and loop your manager in, so there’s a clear record of what you’ve done.
4. They’re always fishing for information.
Some colleagues aren’t interested in small talk — they’re gathering intel. They might ask seemingly innocent questions about your workload, your relationships with coworkers, or how you feel about management. But later, you realise that information has been used against you. If someone seems unusually interested in details that don’t concern them, be careful about what you share. Keep conversations neutral and avoid giving them anything they could twist or use to make you look bad.
5. They conveniently disappear when things go wrong.
When everything is going well, they’re right there beside you. But the second a problem arises, they’re suddenly nowhere to be found. Whether it’s missing deadlines, not replying to emails, or avoiding necessary conversations, these colleagues are experts at vanishing when accountability is needed. If you’re constantly left picking up the pieces while they get away with doing the bare minimum, it’s time to set boundaries. Make sure responsibilities are clear from the start so they can’t claim they “didn’t know” what needed to be done.
6. They love to gossip, especially about their coworkers.
If someone spends most of their time talking about other people, there’s a good chance they’re talking about you too. Gossiping colleagues often create drama and tension, and they’ll throw anyone under the bus if it keeps the attention off them. The more you engage, the easier it is for your words to be twisted later. Keeping your distance from office gossip is the best way to protect yourself. If someone is always eager to badmouth people, assume they wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to you.
7. They’re quick to agree with the boss, no matter what.
There’s a difference between being a team player and being a full-time people pleaser. If someone always agrees with the boss, even when it’s clear they’re wrong, chances are they’re more interested in protecting themselves than doing what’s right. These colleagues will side with management over their coworkers every time. If you notice someone constantly positioning themselves as the boss’s favourite, be careful. When it comes down to it, they’ll prioritise keeping their own reputation spotless over supporting their colleagues.
8. They act like they’re on your side, but never actually help.
Some people are great at pretending to be supportive, but when you actually need help, they’re nowhere to be found. They’ll nod along when you vent about work issues, offer vague words of encouragement, and then disappear the moment real action is required. It’s all surface-level support with no real substance. If someone constantly gives you empty reassurances but never backs it up with action, don’t rely on them. True support is shown through actions, not just words.
9. They throw other people under the bus to make themselves look better.
These people are always looking for a way to boost their own image, and if that means making you look bad in the process, they won’t hesitate. They might exaggerate your mistakes, downplay their own, or subtly undermine you in front of other people. Their goal is to make themselves seem competent at your expense. The best way to handle this is to stay professional and document everything. If they try to make you look bad, having proof of your work and communication can help set the record straight.
10. They don’t bother to tell you important information.
Some colleagues love to keep useful information to themselves, especially if it gives them an advantage. They might “forget” to tell you about a meeting, leave out key details about a project, or wait until the last minute to share something important. If you’re always the last to know, it’s not an accident. When dealing with people like this, double-check information yourself and make sure you’re looped into everything you need to know. Relying on them to keep you informed will only leave you at a disadvantage.
11. They blame miscommunication for their mistakes.
If something goes wrong, their go-to excuse is “Oh, that must have been a miscommunication.” They act like confusion was the issue, rather than their own failure to follow through. It’s a convenient way to dodge responsibility without actually admitting fault. To protect yourself, keep important instructions and agreements in writing. That way, if they try to shift blame later, you have something to refer back to.
12. They act differently depending on who’s around.
If someone is warm and friendly when it’s just the two of you but distant or dismissive when the boss is around, that’s a red flag. Some colleagues carefully curate their behaviour depending on who’s watching, and they won’t hesitate to leave you out in the cold if it benefits them. Pay attention to consistency. If they’re only nice when it’s convenient, don’t mistake them for a genuine ally.
13. They sabotage your work without being obvious.
Some people are subtle with their backstabbing. Maybe they “forget” to forward an important email, give you misleading instructions, or offer advice that conveniently puts you in a bad position. They’ll act like it was all a mistake, but the damage is already done. If this keeps happening, be proactive. Double-check information, confirm details with other people, and don’t blindly trust someone who’s repeatedly made your life harder.
14. They suddenly distance themselves when you’re under fire.
The biggest sign someone will throw you under the bus? When something goes wrong, they suddenly don’t know you. Maybe they used to be chatty and supportive, but the moment you face criticism, they step back and let you take the heat alone. A real colleague will stand by you, not disappear the second things get difficult. If someone only sticks around when everything is fine, don’t expect them to defend you when it counts.
