Have you ever walked into a meeting prepared—only to realize critical information was intentionally withheld from you? If so, you may be dealing with a backstabbing coworker.

In this episode of The Power of Peacefulness Podcast, Dr. Sharon McLaughlin explores the hidden and often overlooked dynamics of toxic colleagues at work. This conversation goes beyond surface-level office politics and dives into the research behind social undermining, workplace gossip, triangulation, and “weaponized concern”—subtle tactics designed to erode trust, credibility, and visibility.

Drawing on organizational psychology and workplace research, this episode explains why backstabbing behavior is so destabilizing to both performance and well-being. Studies show that ongoing workplace mistreatment is a major driver of stress, emotional exhaustion, and even sleep disruption—making it harder to stay calm, think clearly, and respond strategically.

Rather than encouraging confrontation or retaliation, this episode offers a calm, evidence-based system for self-protection, including:

• How to recognize the most common backstabbing patterns, including selective information sharing and reputation sabotage

• Why gossip thrives—and how creating a high-clarity work environment makes it ineffective

• The connection between workplace toxicity, nervous system activation, and burnout

• Micro-regulation tools to stay grounded in triggering moments

• How to reduce the information a toxic coworker can weaponize

• Why documentation is protective, not petty

• Exact professional phrases to shut down gossip, triangulation, and misrepresentation

• How to escalate concerns safely by framing them as process and performance risks

This episode is especially valuable for women in leadership, physicians, and high-performing professionals who want to protect their reputation, credibility, and peace—without creating more drama.

You’ll walk away with practical scripts, strategic clarity, and a renewed sense of confidence in your ability to navigate toxic workplace dynamics calmly and effectively.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:
Download the free workbook Five Steps to Communicate with More Calm, Clarity, and Confidence at powerofpeacefulness.com

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone navigating a difficult workplace—and don’t forget to subscribe for more evidence-based conversations on leadership, communication, and inner peace.