Frenemies In the Workplace

What is a "frenemy" in the workplace?

• A person who is always supportive and helpful
• A person who is always honest and trustworthy
• A person who is completely neutral and uninvolved
• A person who acts as a friend but is actually an enemy or rival

Which of the following behaviors might indicate someone is a workplace frenemy?

• Always supporting and encouraging colleagues
• Respecting others' privacy and boundaries
• Being honest and transparent in communication
• Gossiping or undermining others

What is a potential consequence of confronting a workplace frenemy publicly?

• Increased tension and negative consequences
• Promotion and recognition for handling the situation well
• Mutual respect and admiration from colleagues
• Improved work relationship and positive outcomes

How can a workplace frenemy manipulate situations to their advantage?

• Always speak highly of their colleagues
• Spread rumors or gossip
• Avoid getting involved in office politics
• Support and uplift their coworkers

Which of the following tactics might a workplace frenemy use to gain your trust?

• Openly criticizing you in front of others
• Ignoring you completely
• Spreading rumors about you
• Flattery, manipulation, or pretending to be supportive

In what ways might a workplace frenemy try to undermine your professional reputation?

• Spreading rumors, taking credit for your work, or sabotaging your projects
• Complimenting your work
• Throwing you a surprise party
• Baking you cookies

How can you differentiate between a genuine colleague and a workplace frenemy?

• By avoiding all interactions with coworkers

• By asking them directly
• By relying solely on their outward behavior

• By observing their behavior and attitude towards you and others in the workplace.

What is one subtle way a workplace frenemy might try to gain your favor?

• By openly disagreeing with you in meetings

• By volunteering to take on extra work for the team

• By ignoring your contributions to group projects

• By avoiding all social interactions with you

How might a workplace frenemy react when you excel or receive recognition for your work?

• By genuinely celebrating your achievements

• By expressing jealousy or resentment

• By offering constructive feedback to help you improve

• By acknowledging your contributions publicly

What is one effective way to counteract the negative effects of a workplace frenemy?

• By retaliating with passive-aggressive behavior

• By seeking support from trusted colleagues or mentors

• By avoiding all interactions with the frenemy

• By confronting them publicly in front of other coworkers