We would all like to get along with our colleagues. It makes for a better work environment and boosts the business as well. Sadly though, this is not always the case. Office politics can be a tricky business and it is not unusual to find yourself dealing with a coworker who seems out to sabotage you rather than help. If you are faced with this situation what should you do? Some tips:

Cover yourself – Taking precautions to protect yourself against a coworker with less than good intentions is a wise move. Keep written records for yourself of the work you do and the ideas you contribute. If a nefarious office mate should try to take the credit for something you did to get ahead, or worse tries to blame you for something you did not do, you have proof to back up your protests.

Ignore the Drama – A troublesome colleague is just that – someone out to distract, disturb and upset you. Maybe they would like your position, are competing with you for a certain promotion or simply want to be the office superstar and will step on everyone else to achieve their goals.  You do not have to be drawn into their dramatic world; do your job and try to avoid rising to any bait they set for you.

Laugh it off – This is not an easy thing to do but it can work. Instead of becoming angry at the situation and upsetting yourself try to find the humor in the situation. Take heart that you are obviously good enough at what you do that someone wants to spend time and energy on sabotaging your efforts in the first place.

Communicate – When all else fails confronting your co worker directly is the next step. Approach the situation calmly and ask them why they are doing what they are. The fact that they realize that they have been “caught out” may be enough to make them stop, or they may not even realize that their actions were out of line.