Dear Friends, 

No matter how far we are able to distance our self from the internal politics in the office, it is still possible that we will be affected by it.

Someone in our organisation - maybe someone we have long thought of as an ally - may suddenly see us as a threat to his own career path. When this happens, this person may start acting in ways designed to undermine our reputation and effectiveness.

Of course, we have to be careful not to jump to conclusions. But don't be dumb, either. If We have any reason to suspect that someone is sabotaging our efforts in the office, don't be passive.

Make it our business to discuss the situation with him. But be careful. Skilled players at office politics are good at covering their tracks. So, if we have to, be prepared to provide concrete evidence to back up any suspicions we may have.

In the meantime, keep our guard up whenever we are dealing with anyone who does the following:

Speaks negatively about you: Watch out for poison tongues, especially when they encourage us to talk negatively about others in the company or about the company in general.

Steals Our ideas: Beware of co-workers who frequently come to us to pick our brain but never give us credit when presenting our ideas to the bosses.

Breaks their promises: Steer clear of people who make commitments but do not tell us until the last minute that they cannot meet them, thereby making us look bad in the eyes of others.