Nasty office politics are promoted and reinforced when organizations send the message that backbiting, underhandedness and manipulation are the quickest ways to get ahead. But nasty office politics hurts everyone. It forces people to develop a cover-your-back mentality and resort to deceptive and manipulative behavior. It also fosters a hostile work environment. To avoid engaging in nasty office politics read on:

Do not gossip about or bad mouth anyone who works in your organization. Do not criticize co-workers or subordinates in public, even if you belive they deserve it. By criticizing people in public, you humiliate them and make other employees who are within earshot of your conversation uncomfortable. Also, you set you and the other person up to be the target of office gossip. People have a tendency to repeat what they hear and once the rumors start, you will not be able to stop them. If you plan to challenge the status quo, do your homework and do it with tact. Many senior level managers strongly believe in the companys longstanding policies and practices and may view challenging the status quo as a personal attack.

Dont be a habitual whiner. Nobody likes a chronic complainer. If the job or organization is that bad take the necessary steps to change your situation.

Dont pass off someone elses work or ideas as your own. It will leave a lasting mark of hostility. And it speaks volumes about your character. When dealing with someone who engages in nasty office politics try to keep your distance. If his/her behavior is directed toward you try to resolve the issue. If the person is unwilling to stop, document the incident or incidents and gather your facts so that you can describe the incident to the appropriate parties in detail. Then, follow your companys protocol for dealing with this kind of behavior. Keep in mind that when you engage in nasty office politics everyone loses.