Just ignore them, they have issues. Why this is the worst career advice you can give.

When my daughter fast-tracked from a part-time to a full-time position within two years, the inevitable happened: workplace jealousy.

A supervisor began intentionally sabotaging her. She would hold onto my daughter's projects for "approval," waiting until the absolute last minute to return them so there was no time left to make corrections before the hard deadline. It was a classic, passive-aggressive setup designed to make a young professional look incompetent.

When my daughter sought advice from management, she was told: "Just ignore her. We think she has personal problems."

I told my daughter absolutely NOT.

Ignoring a workplace bully doesn't make them stop; it gives them a license to play games with your career.

Instead of getting emotional or complaining about "fairness," had her hit 'Reply All' on the next late project. She CC'd the entire management, and i told her to say this,

"If this work is not returned with feedback in a timely manner for corrections, it just doesn't affect my work but also directly impacts department productivity and company deadlines."

The Result:

The supervisor immediately went into a hole and apologized. The moment the behavior was dragged into the bright daylight of upper management, the game was over.

Why? Because you cannot argue with timestamped evidence.

The Lesson for Leaders:

When a team member comes to you, never tell them to "just ignore it." Teach them how to document reality, shift the focus to company output, and protect their professional boundaries.