I don't know. I make a point of refusing to do office politics and being purposely fact-oriented, honest and "naive". It probably blocks some career possibiliti

I don't know. I make a point of refusing to do office politics and being purposely fact-oriented, honest and "naive". It probably blocks some career possibilities but enables me to get things done where others can't, and I like to think also gain my colleagues' trust. I found inside a given university job, lets say a PhD or postdoc, it is easy to just do your thing and ignore politics. There is almost no consequences for anything, as opposed to in industy. The kicker is only when you switch jobs. You need to have connections, and goodwill. So, once you have a permanent position and are the king of the island, you can basically do whatever you want. You only have to play politics with the university leadership and funding agencies, but otherwise you can just do your thing. Of course, for the less priviliged people under you, this feels like politicking.