Remember back when you were in school and there was always at least one person everyone hated because they were deceitful. These people were often bullies, but sometimes were people who just lied all the time. You know whom I am talking about. This was the person that you and everyone else wanted to get caught. You often said you wanted them to get caught and get in trouble for their deceit, but were often amazed because they always seemed to get away with it. You never could figure out how all the authoritative people (i.e. teachers, principals, parents, etc.), who were allegedly the "smart ones," never seemed to figure out these people were liars.

Now, as an adult, you go to work each day and realize these people still exist. It isn't really that they still exist that bothers us, but the fact that they oftentimes seems to thrive even though they are so deceitful. We are left scratching our heads trying to figure out why the "boss" doesn't figure out the game these people are playing.

First off, I believe that a lot of the time the "boss" does know what's going on. They simply don't address the problem because they think it will come back to bite them in the bu**. Therefore, the boss will often avoid the problem all together.

Secondly, quite frequently, us "normal" workers see the deceit going on, but don't do anything to address it. Yes, we may not engage with the liars, but ultimately, this doesn't do anything to change the way they conduct business. You not talking to the office liar doesn't result in the liar changing their ways, it simply means the liar will go elsewhere to spread the lies. Additionally, by not addressing the lying, we are making the liar more powerful than they should be. These people get away with their activities because "we" never confront them, nor do we do anything to ensure leadership knows about the deceit. In the long run, the liars' positions continues to gain power as time passes. We still scratch our heads trying to figure out how they get away with it, but the fact is they get away with it because "we" allow them to get away with it.

Be the change. Step up. Don't be part of the "network" of co-workers who spread gossip and lies. Don't be afraid to confront the office liar or troublemaker. Yes, I know this is often difficult, but once you put the person on notice, you may begin to see the change.

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