Remember the old adage - "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." 

Here's how -  

• Engage them - the more you understand their motives the better  
• Support them - they tend to attack people they view as threats 
• Keep your opinions to yourself - what you say can be used against you
• Don't take sides - stay neutral during co-worker disputes  
• Avoid gossip & rumors - they can be used against you