Office politics: you’d better watch your back
No matter how far you are able to distance yourself from the internal politics in the office, it is still possible that you will be affected by it.
Someone in your organisation - maybe someone you have long thought of as an ally - may suddenly see you as a threat to his own career path. When this happens, this person may start acting in ways designed to undermine your reputation and effectiveness.
Of course, you have to be careful not to jump to conclusions. But don't be dumb, either. If you have any reason to suspect that someone is sabotaging your efforts in the office, don't be passive.
Make it your business to discuss the situation with him. But be careful. Skilled players at office politics are good at covering their tracks. So, if you have to, be prepared to provide concrete evidence to back up any suspicions you may have.
In the meantime, keep your guard up whenever you are dealing with anyone who does the following:
Speaks negatively of you: Watch out for poison tongues, especially when they encourage you to talk negatively about others in the company or about the company in general.
Steals your ideas: Beware of co-workers who frequently come to you to pick your brain but never give you credit when presenting your ideas to the bosses.
Breaks their promises: Steer clear of people who make commitments but do not tell you until the last minute that they cannot meet them, thereby making you look bad in the eyes of others.