SUNDAY THOUGHTS: KEEP WORKING

Sabotage---the deliberate, 

sneaky, undermining, destruction, disruption, or damage of equipment, a public service, project, assignment, relationship, finished work, etc.,by dissatisfied, suspicious, insecure, overbearing, guilt-ridden, or jealous individuals; 

Sabotage—the M.O. of an enemy, or take-over spirit;

 

Sabotage—the method by which competent individuals are to be rendered or deemed dishonest, dispensable, unavailable, disinterested, or ineffective. 

Some sabotage is deliberate. 

Other times, it's a matter of an insecure person's survival. They stab, but don't think about how their actions will snowball, cause dissension, and even hurt themselves.

Keep working. 

Don't allow anyone's insecurity, or fear of losing their foothold on a situation  negatively impact your disposition, or work ethic. 

A know-it-all cannot stand to see competence displayed by those to whom he or she feels superior, and will always attempt to instill suspicion or doubt concerning the actions, decisions, and methods of others. 

Don't allow anyone's issues to undo the good work you've done, destroy the harmony you have established, or slow your momentum. 

Although you may be surprised or disappointed, when it's revealed exactly who is not the least bit happy that you got the job, that your situation has improved, and is running smoothly, or that you have made progress, don't let that revelation stun you into discouragement, or inactivity. 

Knowing who, or what you are dealing with; who is, and is not in your corner; and who is, and is not accurately representing, speaking well of, or cheering you, is really a good thing. 

The best retaliation or revenge is the continuation of excellent work ethic, productivity, and a work environment that thrives. 

There are more people for you than against you. 

Draw strength from those who support you. 

Don't waste time on those who are hoping you will fail. 

Keep working.

If your employer publicly declares that they're contemplating some plan to show their appreciation to you for what you have done, pay attention to the person who objects, pouts, asks "Why?", or seeks to discourage the thoughtful gesture. 

Some people cannot bear that you are committed, consistent, and qualified any more than they can bear that you may be rewarded or acknowledged for your commitment, consistency, and qualifications.

Sowing seeds of discord is the only way many people can succeed or maintain their positions. 

They may come from a long way--even to their own detriment, and at their own expense--to do it. 

Others may have confidence in you, particularly if you've been on the job for a long time. The saboteur does not. 

In the face of obvious productivity, they have to see what's going on, minimize it, and tear it apart. They turn up their noses at order, cleanliness, and efficiency. They interrogate. Do inventory. They have no intentions of offering genuine help or encouragement. They don't stick around long enough to make any positive impact and drain resources, but they seek credit, attention, and want to be considered as a savior for the brief time they are on the scene. They look for inconsistencies and missteps, and are frustrated when they can find none.

Give the saboteur no power. Theirs is a position of weakness. They don't really want the job, are not capable of doing it, don't want anyone else to have it, but want and need to be in control, and in the spotlight. You have nothing to fear from them. 

Keep working. 

Don't get mad or frustrated. Don't begin to doubt yourself. 

Don't look back. 

Don't ever fall for being pitted against anyone. 

Be confident in your abilities. 

Making a saboteur aware that you see them is your best bet--so is the art of documentation. Just stay committed to excellence. Believe it or not, the saboteur, and their obvious anxiety, is probably the best indicator that you're doing a good job.

They wouldn't be so busy trying to exclude, erase, or demean you, if you weren't.

Remember the principal thing. 

Remember why you are in place. 

You have sufficient experience, knowledge and skill. You are consistent and trustworthy. 

Take a deep breath, and stay committed to the work in spite of the interference, impure motives, messiness, and meddling of others. They can play innocent, but your discernment, and their own insecurity-driven actions and words will always expose them. 

Keep working.