When it comes to getting ahead, experts say, the ABCs of business should inclu

When it comes to getting ahead, experts say, the ABCs of business should include a P, for politics, as in office politics.
  Dale Carnegie (26) suggested as much more than 50 years ago: Hard work alone doesn’t (27) ensure career advancement. You have to be able to sell yourself and your ideas, both publicly and behind the scenes. Yet, despite the obvious (28) rewards of engaging in office politics, a better job, a raise, praise, many people are still unable or (29) unwilling to play the game. People (30) assume that office politics involves some manipulative behavior. But politics (31) derives from the word "polite". It can mean lobbying and forming associations. It can mean being kind and helpful, or even trying to please your (32) superior, and then expecting something in return.
  In fact, today, experts define office politics as proper (33) behavior used to pursue one’s own self- interest in the workplace. (34) In many cases, this involves some form of socializing within the office environment, not just in large companies, but in small workplaces as well.
  "The first thing people are usually judged on is their ability to perform well on a consistent basis," says Neil P. Lewis, a management psychologist. (35) “But if two three candidates are up for a promotion, each of whom has reasonably similar ability, a manager is going to promote the person he or she likes best. It’s simple human nature."
  (36) However, many employees and employers have trouble with the concept of politics in the office. Some people have an idealistic vision of work and what it takes to succeed. Others connect politics with flattery. If they speak up for themselves, they may appear to flatter their boss for favors.