If you're just a normal tech worker then they're not very important. Sure you may lose out on the absolute best outcome, but 80% of the 1/2 million that top-end

If you're just a normal tech worker then they're not very important. Sure you may lose out on the absolute best outcome, but 80% of the 1/2 million that top-end tech workers get nowadays isn't bad. The skills you're looking for aren't really political or Machiavellian. It's not scheming to stand up for oneself. As other posters said you ought not to put social skills in the same bucket as Machiavellian traits. Now as for others, if you're trying to be in business like many on HN do, then you absolutely need to be politically savvy as the business world is filled with MBA sharks and hustlers. It's not all evil and knives in your back, but a certain level of shall we say hyperawareness of social jostling is necessary to get ahead. Business is basically politics, but your reward is just more money and not power over life and death.