What to Do When a Colleague Plays Office Politics

When you feel pushed aside

Your colleague takes credit for your ideas. Delegates tasks to you without asking. Pulls the spotlight toward themselves or always ends up with the most visible, interesting assignments. You notice it. You feel it. It makes you cautious, and puts you on edge. Like you have to compete just to be seen – when all you really want is to collaborate and do your work well.

That kind of behavior affects you. You feel less safe. Less free. Maybe even sidelined. The trust fades, and the enjoyment you once had in your job starts to slip away. And maybe you start to doubt yourself: am I overreacting? Am I imagining things?

Why this dynamic is so difficult

Colleagues who push their way forward are often socially skilled. They know how to make their actions seem well-intended. Or they’re popular, and you're afraid of being seen as the difficult one. So you stay silent. But inside, frustration builds.

Sometimes the conflict becomes explicit, but more often it simmers under the surface. You try to stay professional, but you feel powerless. It’s as if you're always the one making space – and the other gets away with it. That takes a toll.

What you can do

Start by reflecting on what this touches in you. Why does this hit so hard? Is it a longing to be seen? A tendency to accommodate others? A fear of conflict? As you gain insight into your own triggers, something shifts. You feel calmer and more grounded. That makes all the difference.

From there, you can choose your next move with more clarity. Where do you have influence – and where not? Sometimes it's wise to respond more strategically. Sometimes it’s about staying true to your values without mirroring the same behavior. You can have agency, without becoming manipulative or shutting down.

Coaching can help you sort it all out. To set boundaries without escalating things. To name what’s bothering you without losing yourself. And to feel stronger and more focused again – so you can make decisions from a place of clarity, not frustration.

You don’t have to deal with this alone

Dealing with a difficult colleague is exhausting. But you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Coaching offers support and perspective, so you can find your ground again and feel confident at work. Having someone outside the dynamic can make all the difference.

Want to know if coaching could help?

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