Analyze the organization chart

Through your relationships, you can build your personal brand and raise your team's profile.

When you communicate your achievements to your connections, they might open up opportunities for you, your team, and your boss.

Always keep your organization's goals in min...

Look beyond your immediate team, and cross the formal hierarchy in all directions – co-workers, managers and executives.

Don't be afraid of politically powerful people. Get to know them, and build high-quality connections that avoid empty flattery.

Office politics are a reality, and avoiding them altogether risks not having a say in what happens.

It also allows people with less experience, skill or knowledge than you to influence decisions that affect you and your team.

Examine people's interactions and relationships to understand the informal or social networks.

Watch closely (but discreetly and respectfully) to find out who gets along with who, and who finds it more difficult to interact with others.

Notice whether connections a...

• Avoid passing on rumors without considering their credibility;
• Assume that whatever you say will be repeated, so choose carefully what "secrets" you reveal.
• Remain professional at all times, and don't take sides.
• If you're voicing concerns or cr...

Get to know the gossips and manipulators better. 

Be courteous but guarded, as they may repeat what you say with a negative "spin." Try to understand their goals, so that you can avoid or counter the impact of their negative politicking.