When you feel the tension of a conflict, relax. Let your breath be the first word you say.
Office politics existed as far back as ancient Mesopotamia - scribes fought for whose clay tablets got noticed first. Politics at work isn't a flaw of your office; it's a flaw of human nature. Fortunately, with a bit of practice, envy, favoritism, and petty drama can be flipped into resilience, humor, and long-game success. You can laugh at the circus and still come out the lion.