I like to think I'm pretty good at this game, swung two promotions and raises by working every request from outside the team out of band to the detriment of my

I like to think I'm pretty good at this game, swung two promotions and raises by working every request from outside the team out of band to the detriment of my main flow of work -- "everyone loves you and your work is constantly noticed by $upper_management." Wow that's crazy, it's just nice to be appreciated I guess wink wink.