If you think you can just "work hard" without paying attention to politics, then think again. Politics happens - whether you want to admit it or not. But politicking need not always be bad. You may think that politics is something that only manipulative, self-serving types engage in. But politicking merely describes the act of scrutinising relationships and learning how to influence others more effectively. It is merely a tool. Some people will choose to influence others to further their own devious ends, while others will influence for the good of themselves and the organisation. So here is the definitive answer to engaging with office politics to further your own career in a positive fashion- and deal with the Machiavellian types and pre-empt their efforts.