Five Rules of Business Politics

1. Make your boss look good. It all starts here. Have you ever worked for someone who gave the impression that they were constantly out to get you? How about working for someone who would back you up no matter what? The latter is better. Remember, your boss is also navigating through the realm of business politics so any help you can give will be noticed. This is not about sucking up or being a yes-man. This is about delivering results, challenging basic assumptions, making an impact and improving the visibility and reputation of your team. If you are driving the perception that your area is one of the best in the company, people will take notice including your boss and his or her boss. It is much better to be your boss's heavy hitter than someone he's trying to work out the door.

2. Make allies. This is not about being popular. This is about making a personal connection with as many people as you can. Let them know who you are, what you are working on and what you can do to make their jobs easier. Cultivate these relationships and be real. When people know that you are on their side it will be much easier for them to take your side and help you out when they're needed. This rule applies to everyone at the company, not just your friends and close coworkers but the chefs in the cafeteria and the person who stops by to empty your trash. I once knew a person who chatted authentically with almost everyone she came in contact with and always engaged in friendly conversation with the janitor. One night, when her car died in the parking lot it was the janitor who willingly gave her a jump.

3. Build trust. I have seen people make the mistake of trying to make allies in a way that destroys their own trust. For example, trash-talking an unpopular person is not the way to win friends. Sure, that person's rival may take notice and appreciate that you see things eye-to-eye but now you're known as a blabbermouth who cannot be trusted. Cluing in others on workplace secrets makes you look like a sneaky chap who spreads rumors. Watch what you say and who you say it to. If someone tells you a secret, keep it a secret. If you say you're going to do something, do it. Keep your promises, meet your deadlines and let people know what you're thinking. Those quiet people in the office who never reveal what's going on in their heads become difficult to trust because you don't know what to expect. But if you constructively voice your opinion and argue your point of view people will respect and rely on you. Just be sure to back up your claims, be factual and don't talk just for the sake of talking - people can see right through that.

4. Stay in touch with the word on the street. This is not to be confused with gossip, although it never hurts to hear the buzz. Ask questions. Seek feedback and get to know what people are saying about you. Identify factions and work to professionally disassociate yourself from people who have damaged reputations, and make sure you are not one of those people! A regular, informal meeting with your boss or HR partner can be a very valuable way to learn what others are saying about you professionally. The simple question, "What is my reputation?" is perfectly acceptable. It demonstrates that you are self-aware and willing to learn about yourself and improve. You will be rewarded with respect and hopefully, the straight talk on how you're perceived around the office. Then you'll be ready to get to work and make the appropriate adjustments.

5. Be positive. No one wants to work with someone who is derogatory and constantly delivering a negative vibe. The workplace will never be perfect and you will always have to work alongside people who are difficult and disagreeable but this does not mean you should be that way too. Anger can be contagious. You can catch negativity as easily as you catch a cold. People prefer to work with others who lift their spirits not drag them down. This is not to suggest that you should view the world through rose colored glasses but instead, be realistic and inspiring, and never, ever trash your boss or your teammates.

The workplace can be unfair and unforgiving. Guilt-by-association runs rampant. There are people who will take credit for your work and others who will try to hinder your advancement in order to improve their own chances. It is not a family, it is a competitive environment and you need to stay sharp every day. The most important thing is that you take care of yourself first. You won't be able to change how others act but if you are aware of your own behavior and reputation, you can cultivate the relationships that will help you survive and get ahead. Good luck!

Mr. Pibber is an MBA with over 10 years navigating the challenges of the business world.