1. What has been your experience with those? Have you ever been backstabbed by a colleague? (I am guessing yes for nearly everyone). 2. Is there any way to avenge oneself? Is there any value in going 'after' the liars via project work or HR? Assume you can prove the lie conclusively. 3. Is the best option to just get away from them and try for promo again? 4. Any other tips to not get backstabbed?
I've never been backstabbed by someone seeking a promo. I have been backstabbed by managers- giving credit for my work (literally design / architecture / planning, everyone but having my name on the epic), to Devs X & Y because they wanted to see X & Y promoted. They ended up cutting my bonus too, since they realized by shifting that credit they couldn't justify my bonus.
I got mine though, just through the normal course of work, aggressive documentation, and of course, getting a new manager and letting that guy rot.
I also threw him under the bus for it to a good chunk of the team, so there's *rumors* about.
You need to get a hobby. You're overthinking this career growth stuff.
To get promo: move.
Capitalism Baby. Shark eat SHARK