In this article, I will endeavour to navigate some landscape that is rather uncomfortable for all parties that may be concerned with the situation under discussion.

Have you found yourself realizing that a colleague may have intentionally set out to take advantage of the fact that it was probable for you to be inadvertent as a way of achieving their ill intended objective? Has the prospect of confronting the issue with your colleague bewildered you in the sense that you may have to put it to them that you are sure they meant to “set you up” for something?

In my view, human beings have been wired to “survive” and in some cases it is at all costs! Even at the expense of unsuspecting fellow human beings. That would perhaps be one of the first considerations that an actor who feels that a colleague has crossed permissible boundaries with their liberties, may have to take.

The reasons for such unfortunate behavior may emanate from active malice, desperation, fear etc.

Whereas, at one point, one of the parties is ignorant of the scheme by the other, when it comes to light, the situation becomes uncomfortable for both parties. As the person taken advantage of, there may be feelings of resentment towards their erring colleague as well as those relating to disrespect. For the erring colleague, they may be gripped with the anxiety associated with being caught in the act with little or nothing to say in their defense.

Taking a deep breath usually helps to align one’s thoughts and approach to the impending interaction with an erring colleague. Remember, you are in a corporate environment where certain decorum is expected of you, regardless of how emotional you may be feeling about it.

It is important that one avoids creating trouble for themselves when they potentially have a good case to prove their point. If there is a process to follow within the organizational structure before you engage your colleague, you would do well to pursue it.

For the erring colleague, I would advise that taking the approach towards taking responsibility for your actions is the most progressive towards amends. Realizing that the time for being creative in a clandestine manner is no longer available and remorse may be the better option, would help you structure any responses you may have to give. Being as much a part of the solution and not exacerbation of the problem should be the focus.

Lastly, to my fellow organizational actors, making your point about what kind of professional you are may sometimes take time and situations for colleagues to appreciate. I have found that with consistency in your endeavors to act professionally and ethically, your conduct will eventually precede you and your reputation will shine with no extra effort from verbalizing on your part!

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