how would you handle such a colleagues?

[goodbook200]

Have a colleague who talks bad about people, then turns to them and smiles in their face, acting as if she is best friend. Keeps building up the network of people to get information about everything and everybody, to use to her advantage later on. Tried to ignore but it does affect me as I work closely with her. Lose trust and this creates an unhealthy working environment...

Only engage on a professional level - polite and to the point.

Don't give her headspace. Every office normally has one.

Would second just, and say be professional and make sure you keep all comments neutral. You don't want her saying good was saying.... and making you out to be the problem.

There is someone like that where I work too...... :(

goodbook - I have this now. A fellow colleague does exactly the same. very two faced.

I'd say just be professional with her too and keep all comments neutral.

Do not under any circumstances try to be her friend (I tried this or she tried it with me) and it blew up in my face.

Also watch if she tries to bully you (like my colleague did with another temp colleague).

Go for shock value. tell her to mind her own business and to get on with her work.

atmywitsend - I don't think I'd tell her that. This sort of person could and maybe WILL turn around and say "oh goodbook told me what to do, spoke to me rudely etc" and if she's superior doesn't work.

Best thing is to do as the other posters have said, minimal contact and don't engage! You don't want a friend/enemy of this woman you just want it neutral.

absolutely agree with other posters - dont get drawn in. Keep professional - she/he will get her come uppance in time.

I've just got rid of a colleague like that. I agree, be perfectly professional but don't get dragged into their little dramas. Also take everything they say with a pinch of salt. Ex-Colleague had a habit of telling lies to make her look better e.g. she once told me a colleague from a different department (who she didn't get on with) and with whom we were running a large project, had gone on long term sick leave and no one knew when he would be back. This meant a large portion of her work that she was reluctant to do in the first place would have to be shelved iidefinitely. The colleague, in fact, was at lunch

slug - how did you get rid of your colleague or did they create their own downfall?

Never gossip with her about others. Let her tell you anything she likes, but don't pass it on (people like this often have an agenda in telling you things, hoping you will do their dirty work for them by spreading the tale around) and don't give her any information.

Keep it polite, bland, and non-committal at all times. Don't be, or be seen to be, her mate or her enemy.

Helloboys. Her contract ran out and we deliberately failed to renew it or advertise a permanent replacement job until she had left.

Angela - in fact I'd go one step further (not sure if wise or not) and if malicious gossip just say "sorry I'm not interested in hearing about that, I'm here to work".

but maybe that could bite one on the bum as it were??

slug - excellent.

Best just to ignore and create your own network. Don't make her the go to person, iyswim. You can subtly decrease her power by doing this.

Don't gossip about her, pass on info she tells you or be seen to be her best pal.

Keep your cv updated and on linkedin.

We've got one in our office, she is a nightmare. As two-faced as I have ever known. I hate working in a small office (about 15 people) - everybody seems to know everything about everyone else. Try this - go in tomorrow and say that you were convinced you were getting a cold last night - you had all the symptoms but they seem better now, and wait for someone to say that they thought the same or even worse someone will go off sick the day after. My Mum told me this years ago and it has worked in every job I have been in.

I could scream! Have to vent here or else will go mad.

2 faced b*tch in the office nice as pie yesterday - took post for me but I always think this is because she wants to go via Sainsburys/dept store rather than straight there straight back which is what I do and not to help me out

She is nice as pie IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE - but today she comes downstairs I say good morning and she snaps it back in a nasty way.

I know totally unprofessional if I could give her a slap if and when I leave I would but I will have to be really nice to avoid giving her a piece of mind when I leave.