How to handle the office crocodiles
E102: Thriving amidst workplace rivals
The problem with crocodiles is you never really know if they'll keep their jaws open long enough for the daredevil to pull away.
And the crocodiles at work? They can be even more dangerous.
You know them, don't you?
They’re the ones who sniff out a new opportunity — like a promising deal — and snap, try to take it away from you. Or they’re the ones who quietly angle for credit after your hard work. They might even show up at a client meeting uninvited, hogging the proverbial microphone.
They’re diametrically opposed to the philosophy behind my school motto, Faire Sans Dire — literally “to say without to do” — in other words, get on with things quietly, without fanfare.
Crocodiles, on the other hand, make sure everyone knows exactly what they’re doing.
If you're not careful, these crocodiles can clamp down and take you under.
But how do you handle them, especially when they might hold sway over your promotion or bonus?
A client recently asked me this question as they navigated the partnership track.
Here’s what we discussed:
1. Be the silent operator, focused on your end goal
Staying quiet, keeping your head down, and avoiding confrontation can seem safe — but over time, this approach can weigh on you.
When you see the crocodile at yet another uninvited meeting or in a press release claiming credit for your work, it can feel like your head’s still in the crocodile's jaws.
Staying silent may prevent immediate conflict, but the longer you’re silent, the greater the resentment can grow, leaving you undervalued and frustrated.
It might be a good short term solution.
2. SAVE the crocodile
Rather than putting your head into the crocodile’s jaws, try throwing them a “chicken” or two. In the workplace, this can mean practising SAVE — calling out their Strengths, Achievements, Values, and/or Effort.
SAVE, an approach I discussed in editions 17 and 101, can work wonders even with competitive colleagues.
Recognising others’ positive traits can shift dynamics subtly, helping crocodiles feel seen and heard. When people feel acknowledged, they’re often less inclined to snap.
3. Focus on the crocodile’s needs
Just as real crocodiles need warmth and food, office crocodiles often snap due to unmet needs. Their snapping might signal that they’re feeling insecure, undervalued, or overlooked.
This is an approach I explored in edition 85, where identifying unmet needs can be a game-changer.
For example:
A - snapping with anger could signal a need for autonomy or understanding.
B - muscling into your meeting might reflect a need for security or help (because they themselves aren't performing).
C - taking credit where it’s not due could show a need for appreciation or recognition.
All the while, your own needs for fairness, autonomy, and consideration are being challenged.
By recognising these underlying needs, you can approach crocodiles with empathy, defusing tension and channeling competitive energy constructively.
Think about the strategies you can come up with to meet the crocodile's needs.
You might be surprised with the ideas you come up with.
4. Be a crocodile whisperer
This is the ninja move requiring skill and careful planning. It’s like putting your head in the crocodile’s jaws, hoping they won’t clamp down.
One framework I love helping clients use is Nonviolent Communication (NVC). NVC brings out strengths like creativity, planning, and tact, and can even make navigating difficult conversations enjoyable—especially when the rewards are high.
With NVC, the potential rewards include improved clarity, more harmonious relationships, reduced workplace tension, and increased confidence.
Tackling these challenging conversations often leaves clients feeling empowered, respected, and focused.
If you want to learn more about how to use needs and emotions to resolve difficult conversations and challenging situations, take a look at the NVC primer and recommended book I’ve shared.
👉 Over to you
Think about the ‘crocodiles’ you’ve encountered at work.
How have you handled their snap?
What’s one strength, approach, or insight you’d share to keep your head above water in competitive waters?
ps If you're an entrepreneur, lawyer, or high-performing professional seeking to pause, recalibrate, and lead with more effortlessness, get in touch and let’s have a conversation.
That’s it for this week!
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To your health, joy, and success—one step at a time!
Eric
…to answer your prompt the best way to compete is to not focus on your opponent but rather yourself…optimize what you do and improve all elements you control…the crocodile will eventually overeat and fall asleep on the shore…be an octopus or a cuttlefish instead…or a human…
Crocodile whisperer cracked me up. Would love to hear any of your stories about whispering a crocodile into friendship with you. I'll bet you have one.