The best mix is a lot of genuine collaboration with a tiny bit of backstabbing occasionally thrown in. Be genuinely useful, cooperative and valuable, that's a

The best mix is a lot of genuine collaboration with a tiny bit of backstabbing occasionally thrown in. Be genuinely useful, cooperative and valuable, that's a given. It speaks for itself, it's rewarding to you personally, and it's the only way to do not burn out. But don't be afraid to play hardball. Don't cover for incompetence. Don't be taken advantage of. Don't be a sucker. The simple wisdom of tit-for-tat is what I recommend.