How climbers behave and how to protect oneself

Workplace "creepers" are individuals who seek to advance their careers, often at the expense of their colleagues, through unethical or manipulative tactics. 

Here are some ways they can act and how you can protect yourself from them.

How climbers act and how to protect yourself

Typical behavior of climbers

Typical behavior of climbers at work can vary by person and situation, but generally includes a number of characteristics and actions that seek to advance their careers often at the expense of others. Some of the typical climber behaviors include:

• Excessive self-promotion: Climbers tend to constantly talk about their own achievements and successes, often exaggerating or taking credit for the work of others.
• Constant search for recognition: They insistently seek praise and recognition, even when it is not deserved.
• Manipulation: They can manipulate situations and relationships for their own benefit. This may include gaming company policies or exploiting the weaknesses of others.
• Gossip and defamation: Sometimes they defame colleagues or co-workers to weaken their position or reputation.
• Exclusion: Climbers may seek to exclude others from development opportunities or key projects, often seeking to monopolize access to resources and opportunities.
• Unethical: They may engage in unethical practices, such as stealing ideas, improper credit or recognition, or even sabotaging colleagues to get ahead.
• Seeking favoritism: They attempt to gain the attention and favor of superiors, often through excessive flattery or pandering.
• Focus on politics instead of work: They spend more time playing with company politics and personal relationships than on doing high-quality work.
• Appearance more important than performance: They pay a lot of attention to their personal image and the perception that others have of them, often at the expense of their actual performance.
• Lack of collaboration: They do not work well as a team and may be reluctant to share information or help others.

It's important to keep in mind that not all people looking to advance their careers are "climbers." It is natural to want to progress professionally. However, climbers are notable for their focus on personal success at the expense of others and their willingness to employ unethical or manipulative tactics to achieve it.

How to protect yourself from climbers

Protecting yourself from climbers in the work environment is important to maintaining your well-being and advancing your career fairly and ethically. Here are some strategies to protect yourself from climbers:

• Keep records: Document your achievements and contributions on a regular basis. This will help you have concrete evidence of your work and prevent climbers from taking credit for your success.
• Cultivate strong relationships: Establish positive connections with colleagues and superiors who value your work and can support you in difficult situations. A strong support network can be valuable when facing climbs.
• Open communication: Talk openly and honestly with your superiors and colleagues about your work and contributions. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your efforts are recognized.
• Set limits: If you notice manipulative or unethical behavior from a climber, set clear limits and communicate your concerns in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Know company policies: Familiarize yourself with your company's ethics policies and code of conduct. If necessary, report inappropriate behavior to Human Resources or company management.
• Stay calm: Avoid falling into unnecessary provocations or conflicts with climbers. Stay calm and resolve problems professionally.
• Professional development: Continue to improve your skills and knowledge so that your value at work is evident and difficult to undermine.
• Avoid toxic competition: Don't engage in harmful competition with climbers. Instead, focus on your own professional development and growth.
• Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from your superiors and colleagues about your performance. This will help you improve and gain legitimate recognition for your achievements.
• Be transparent: If you feel affected by a climber's actions, don't be afraid to talk to your supervisor or the Human Resources department. Transparency can help resolve problems before they get worse.
  

Remember that ultimately, integrity and work ethics are essential. Don't fall for unethical or manipulative tactics to protect yourself from scammers, as this could damage your own reputation in the long run. Instead, remain professional, focus on your development, and seek support from people who value your work and work ethic.

It is important to handle these situations ethically and professionally. Don't stoop to unethical tactics to protect yourself from climbers, as this could damage your own reputation in the long run. Instead, focus on developing yourself professionally and building strong relationships at work.