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iQuestions Faculty, Pat Gelsinger 
 
 
Question: 
 
How about when people might abuse you or speak behind your back? 
 
Answer:  
 
Sometimes, you’ll be in a work situation where people might abuse 
you or speak behind your back. Unfortunately, I can empathize with 
that. I’ve been in those situations as well, and they really make you 
feel bad. It’s like, “Don’t they appreciate me? Don’t they see the good 
work that I’m doing?” 
 
First, in those situations, just step back from the situation. Maybe 
you’ve done something to provoke those individuals. Maybe you’ve 
earned their wrath in some ways. Really try to put yourself in their 
shoes and whatever issue or concern they may be having. Sometimes 
those are the early indications that you need to change. There are 
things going on. 
 
Second, go and talk to that individual directly. Don’t involve a whole 
lot of other people. Don’t try to make it a bigger deal than it is. Go talk 
to those people directly. Get to know them. Build a relationship with 
them. Try to understand their perspective on the situation. Confront 
them. Talk to them about it directly. Don’t let it become rumor-mills or 
water-cooler talk. You’re going to know the facts of that situation.  
 
Eventually, if you can’t resolve that situation, you may need to bring it 
to your boss or to human resources and ask them to help. You know, 
sometimes they need to change, sometimes you might need to 
change, sometimes both of you might need to change, and you might 
 
 
need that neutral or independent person to look in that situation and 
help resolve it.  
 
But ultimately, get it resolved—because if those things are going on, 
your performance isn’t great, their performance isn’t great, and it 
usually affects the bigger team as well.  
 
Don’t let it linger. Attack it. Deal with it directly—and ultimately, you’ll 
become a better person, and the team will become more productive 
and capable as well.  
 
Gelsinger -2- 
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