Turn Office Politics Around to Your Advantage

Secret meetings. Going behind a co-worker's back to get something done. Taking credit for work others did.

Yes indeed, office politics are a nasty business. And in this unstable economy, they're in full swing.

Sylvia Lafair, a family therapist turned executive coach and author, says our behaviors in the workplace often stem from our childhood or family culture. Recognizing behavior patterns can help one navigate office politics and improve the way people work together.

Read the Marcia Heroux Pounds' article in Florida's Sun-Sentinel to learn more about the most common office personality types -- like "The Pleaser", "The Persecutor" and "The Superachiever", plus strategies for turning office politics around to work in your favor.