Office politics change a lot depending on the company. In general, do not work on what you think it is important. Work on what the management think it is impor

Office politics change a lot depending on the company. In general, do not work on what you think it is important. Work on what the management think it is important. If you don't understand why do they think something it is important, ask them. It is okay to disagree with them, but try to frame it as a proposal and see how much they follow along with your idea. If they don't like it, then do not pursue that project. The job of upper-management is to set priorities.