Corporate Politics (And How to Win Without Becoming a Villain)

Every office has a game. Not the “team-building” game HR keeps spamming about. Not the birthday-cake-in-the-pantry game. I’m talking about the real game.
The one no one admits exists.

The game of egos, credit-stealing, silent wars, and that sweet thing called office politics.

And here’s the harsh truth:
If you think your “hard work” is going to be enough — congrats, either you’re new or just naive. Because in corporate? Your work doesn’t get applause. They applaud their own career while scribbling notes (and maybe even your credit).

So here’s the Corporate Survival Playbook nobody gave you on day one. It’s not HR-approved, but it’s brutally honest.

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1. Master the Compliment Game (Without Looking Like a Suck-Up)

Forget the “yes ma’am, yes sir” act. That’s rookie stuff.
What actually works is strategic flattery.

People don’t always get promoted for being brilliant. They get promoted because someone powerful really likes them. Harsh? Yes. True? Absolutely.

👉 Congratulate your boss publicly after a win.
👉 Send a quick message: “That was a sharp call in today’s meeting…