You don’t have to engage in workplace politics or step on others’ backs to step up in your role. Here’s how to succeed on the job, get what you want – and still be able to look at yourself in the mirror: 

#1 “Office politics” don’t have to be cutthroat. 

In fact, playing dirty to get ahead undermines the entire team. It also wastes energy you could be using on skill building, spending time with your family, or anything else. 

#2 Think “politics” as in “political science,” not “backroom dealing.”

Understanding your company’s formal and informal hierarchies is a must. You can communicate better when you know who to talk to, how, and why. This isn’t cheating – it’s understanding how people are organized and what they can do for you.

#3 Align kindness with access.

Administrative assistants, executive assistants, and custodial staff have one thing in common: They have access. When you connect with these staff members, you gain their confidence and trust - which can translate into access at a crucial moment. 

#4 Humblebrag.

Sharing your accomplishments feels like bragging. But if no one tells your boss what’s being achieved, how will they know? To avoid sounding self-absorbed, mix in news of your accomplishments with praise for what your co-workers have achieved. 

#5 Be the person your co-workers can trust – for real.

Those who play dirty pretend to build trust so they can betray others in their quest for power. They assume it doesn’t matter who they step on as they climb the ladder. When they fall from grace, they pay the price. When you build trust but don’t betray it, however, you gain allies who are there for you no matter what happens.

#6 Draw a line between “like” and “respect.”

You don’t have to like all your co-workers. In fact, you probably won’t. When you show all your co-workers basic respect, you acknowledge their dignity as an individual. That respect goes a long way.

#7 Listen.

The best way to build relationships – of any kind – is to listen with an intent to understand, not to respond. When you listen, you also learn what you need to know to get ahead without trampling others.

#8 Be the fly on the wall.

Never spread gossip. At the same time, be aware of what gossipers are saying. Whether or not the information is true, noticing who shares it and who listens can tell you much about who is – or isn’t – trustworthy.

#9 Dare to be boring.

Limit personal information, including juicy personal stories, at work. Practice neutral ways to excuse yourself from conversations about religion or politics. You’ll save yourself stress, and you won’t feed the gossip mill.

#10 Use your spare energy to focus on your work.

When you’re not wasting energy on gossip or backstabbing, you can use it to get ahead in positive ways. Check your performance metrics regularly, and keep track of how you’re meeting them. 

#11 Build new skills.

Someone who is great at their job and only their job stays in that job – forever. Someone who builds new skills over time, however, often moves on to new promotions. Build your skills, and your efforts will move you forward. 

#12 Lead with your attitude.

Your attitude directly affects those around you. If you complain, they’ll complain. Likewise, if you focus on solutions and keep your head up, others will do so as well. Your attitude is a powerful way to lead with or without a title.