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Step 1
Avoid direct confrontation. While telling off a toxic co-worker might sound appealing, you are likely to lose. It lowers you to their level of childish behavior, and if they are adept at office politics, they'll know how to turn your tirade against you with the bosses. They are not likely to change just because you throw a fit so avoid taking the situation in your own hands or you might make the situation worse for yourself.
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Step 2
Go to management or HR. This option has some limitations, especially if the co-worker has the support of the boss. But don't discount the possibility of a company response especially if you can prove the behavior is undermining the bottom line.
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Step 3
Be yourself. You may not be able to overcome all office politics, but it doesn't mean you have to stoop to their level. Do your best to skip the water cooler when others are gossiping and backstabbing, and meet their insincerity with sincerity and good intentions on your part. It's a good test of your character.
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Step 4
Be strong. Stand firm when confronted by office politics designed to hurt you. Their goal is to beat you down, so don't let them win. Make sure the situation isn't distracting you from the real goal. An emotional response will only make you look bad to the boss, so instead answer by being above the fray and making sure your performance is the best possible.
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Step 5
Know office politics are natural. They're just an element of human nature and we can't totally avoid office politics because they are ubiquitous in any organization, but not all political action is for evil. We object to unfair results and situations which hurt others, so it's important to understand what is causing us discomfort. Make sure you aren't using "office politics" as the excuse to cover up for your own shortcomings.
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Step 6
Join in. But instead of playing the game in a negative way to advance your career at the expense of others, use office politics in a positive way. Avoid doing the underhanded things you dislike and instead, support co-workers in little ways, ask the boss to mentor you and do little things to make the office a better place. Others may see it as sucking up, but odds are the higher-ups will notice you in a good way. You can overcome bad office politics by using it in a good and positive way.
