The Psychology of your 20s 397. The psychology of office politics
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Mar 19, 2026 Explores the hidden dynamics of workplace influence and the informal networks that really shape decisions. Breaks down five sources of power you can use ethically. Looks at how social exchange, exclusion, envy, gossip, and scarcity drive behaviour. Shares practical habits to get ahead without compromising values and signs it might be time to move on.
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Turn Envy Into Motivation Not Sabotage
- Distinguish benign envy that motivates self-improvement from malicious envy that drives sabotage and harms your reputation.
- A 2008 study showed exposure to high-achieving peers boosts performance when their success feels inspiring, not threatening.
Document Undermining And Use Questions
- Track interactions with undermining colleagues: date events, record what was said, and note witnesses for escalation to HR if needed.
- Jemma Sbeg advises using factual questions in the moment like, I noticed X happened in the meeting. Can you explain that?
Stay Professional Under Attack
- Avoid reactive emotional responses to bullies; stay strategic, professional, and composed to preserve credibility.
- Jemma Sbeg warns that mirroring toxic behaviour gives the bully what they want and damages your reputation over time.