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Oftentimes, we’re encouraged to be different. Be unique! Be innovative! But actually, every once in a while, being like someone else could be the better advice.

Fast Company talks up the power of mimicry in business. The author Ron Friedman conducted research with University of Rochester “motivational experts” finding that having a positive thinker in the room rubbed off on others. A motivational person begets other motivational people.

Likewise, when Debbie Downer is in the room, that person brings everyone lower. All of this is called “motivational synchronicity,” a tool Friedman says we’ve developed in order to form bonds with others.

“Because we are born to emulate the motivation and emotions of those around us, negative colleagues can have a detrimental impact not just on our attitudes–but on our performance as well,” the article says.

The story cautions readers to hire the right people and choose the right companies, seeking out people and environments that will foster a productive and cohesive workplace.

However, you can also take this idea and look inward. Are you a positive influence in the office? If your colleagues or boss don’t think you are, it could become an issue for your future with the company.

Or, is there someone at the office that you feel drains everyone of good vibes? That person is to be avoided, if at all possible.

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When you find yourself in a constant argument with the person in the next cubicle, it’s time to start making some changes. Having an office enemy can wreak havoc on your work productivity and the relationships you build with others in the office, which can in turn affect your career growth and your paycheck. No one should ever be so important that they mess with your income. If you feel like an office rivalry has gone too far, take a look at these tips from CNNMoney.com.

First things first: you’ve got to know what type of office enemy you’re dealing with. Depending on their problem with you, trying to establish peace may be futile. According to Marie G. McIntyre, the author of “Secrets to Winning at Office Politics: How to Achieve Your Goals and Increase Your Influence at Work,” there are three types of office enemies: focused, emotional and vengeful.

Focused enemies are simply hoping to accomplish some professional goal and believe that you are in the way. If you want to establish peace, you’ve got to convince them that you are not the source of their professional roadblock and they have a greater chance of succeeding by working with you rather than against.

Emotional enemies are people that only care about their own emotional needs. These people cause a general problem in the office, not just with you. The trick is to make sure you don’t allow this person to push your buttons.

Vengeful enemies have something against you personally. You can only begin to settle the disagreement when you know what they’re upset about and try to make steps to fix it.

Once you’ve identified who you’re dealing with, watch what you say around them. Choose what you say carefully and make sure your words can’t be used against you. When you have a complaint, objectively state the facts of the situation rather than making judgments on a person’s character and work habits.

Try to find a common ground. Finding something that you can agree on diminishes the problems and keeps the office environment together for the sake of everyone.

For those of you who don’t believe a resolution can ever be found, you may need to simply embrace the conflict. Conflict inevitably shows up in life and at some point or another, you’ll have to deal with it.