The Back Stabs Here

Flagellation is a weeklong affair in Pampanga and Tarlac for religious devotees who believe this is the best way to sacrifice. We have to respect their belief. Back stabbing in the corporate setting on the other hand is a yearlong affair. While we have to respect their belief, we have to show these back stabbers that we are not their doormats that they can tramp on anytime they wish to.

ROOT CAUSE
So why do these people back stab? Are they cold blooded killers in their previous life? Are they Batanguenos who love using their beinte nueves (fan knives)? My assessment leads to the best excuse in town - it's cultural. Culture dictates that Filipinos are; (1) non confrontational by nature, (2) suffer from crab mentality and (3) love engaging in gossip esp. the nasty ones.

HOW TOs
What to do when faced with this situation? Here are some of your options:
(1) Do absolutely nothing. Continue with your work, mind your own business and focus on your performance. Magsasawa din sila. At nakakasawa din naman kung ikaw lagi ang topic. Parang balita lang yan. Nakawan sa Greenbelt 5 na pinaguusapan ngayon. Luma na kasi ang kwento kung nagpakawa ba ng tubig ang San Roque dam.
(2) Stop, look, listen and respond. Assess the situation; if true then tell the world you're guilty and promise not to do it again. And make sure it doesn't happen again. If false, then show them facts. Do these professional and semi-professionally. Professionally using the available corporate media and semi using word of mouth. Statistically, WOM is still the best form of advertisement. Just remember to stick to the facts and veer away from mud slinging.
(3) Grab the bull by the horn. God wouldn't like this and the bible tells us not to retaliate but push comes to shove, you have to play their game. Chinichismis ka nila, chismis mo din sila! Just ensure that you can sustain it because in the end you might be engaging in a battle where you simply cannot win.

Back stabbing and back stabbers are part of life whether corporate or personal. They are given to us to make us tougher and learn how to react. To morph U.S. President Harry S. Truman's desk sign, the back stabs here.