when it comes to sports and their favorite teams. This not only broke the ice and helped her establish rapport with the group, but it also eliminated any doubts they may have had about her abilities as a female athletic director.

8. They manipulate and exploit others for their own gain.

Office politickers are masters at manipulating others to do their bidding. They will use flattery, manipulation, and even blackmail to get what they want. They will make promises they have no intention of keeping and will throw others under the bus to save themselves. They have no regard for the wellbeing or success of others and will do whatever it takes to get ahead.

One victim of office politics recalls a situation where a co-worker promised to help her with a project, only to back out at the last minute and leave her to deal with the repercussions. When confronted about her broken promise, the co-worker denied ever making it and blamed the victim for not being able to handle the situation on her own. This kind of manipulation can leave victims feeling helpless and defeated.

9. They create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.

Office politickers thrive on creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. They will spread rumors, start conflicts, and pit co-workers against each other in order to maintain control. They want others to constantly be on edge, unsure of who they can trust, and constantly second-guessing their own actions.

One victim of office politics recalls a situation where a co-worker spread a rumor that she was trying to get her fired. This caused a rift between her and other co-workers, who began to doubt her intentions and question her loyalty. It took a lot of effort and time to repair the damage that was done, and even then, she never fully regained the trust and respect of her colleagues.

10. They take credit for other people’s work.

Office politickers are experts at stealing credit for other people’s work. They will take credit for ideas, projects, and accomplishments that they had no part in, in order to make themselves look better and get ahead. They have no qualms about taking credit for the hard work and success of others, while simultaneously undermining and belittling their contributions.

One victim of office politics recalls a situation where a co-worker stole her idea and presented it as her own during a team meeting. When the victim confronted her about it, the co-worker denied ever hearing the idea before and accused her of trying to sabotage her success. This kind of behavior can not only be demoralizing to the victims, but it can also create a toxic work environment where creativity and innovation are stifled.

11. They spread negativity and bring down morale.

Perhaps one of the most detrimental things that office politickers do is spread negativity and bring down the morale of the entire team. They are constantly complaining, gossiping, and criticizing others, which can create a toxic work environment that is impossible to thrive in. Their negative energy can drain the motivation and enthusiasm out of even the most dedicated employees.

One victim of office politics recalls a situation where a co-worker constantly complained about their workload, their coworkers, and their boss, which created a negative and toxic work environment. Despite their best efforts to stay positive and focused, the constant negativity wore them down and eventually led them to seek employment elsewhere.

In conclusion, office politics can be extremely damaging and can lead to a host of negative consequences for the victims. Those who engage in office politics are often driven by fear and insecurity, and their actions can create a constant source of anxiety and stress for those around them. It is important for individuals to recognize the signs of office politics and take steps to protect themselves from becoming victims. By staying focused on their own work, maintaining communication and transparency with colleagues and superiors, and refusing to engage in gossip and negativity, individuals can take control of their own happiness and success in the workplace.