How to handle the backstabber in your organization:

1- As an individual- Use the words “Why” or “How” When someone is being a jerk or a gossip, instead of reacting, ask them why they are telling you, or why they are doing what they’re doing or How will this information help us with our work.. It is important to not ask in any kind of hostile manner. Use a conversational tone. After a while that person will stop acting that way with you, because they won’t be getting the result or response they want.

2- As a manager, hold a team building meeting, and ask the group what they need in order to work together and be more successful. Trust will always be a big one. Ask people to describe what trust or respect looks like and what the obstacles to trust and respect are. Invariably, someone will bring up gossip, being bossy, derision, etc. Then the group has to discuss what they can do to eliminate those things. It will put those behaviours in the teams consciousness which will make it very difficult for gossip, rumor mongering, etc, and more likely that the villain will be challenged, and without an audience they will stop, change or leave.

3- Organization- Create a culture that does not support those behaviors through cultural norms, and awareness of how those behaviors are obstacles to achieving the mission. Document observed villain behaviors, and consequences and have a one on one meeting with the villain.