Sure, do this if the compensation is worth debasing yourself. If it's not or you can easily find something else, there's no reason to put on the clown costume.

Sure, do this if the compensation is worth debasing yourself. If it's not or you can easily find something else, there's no reason to put on the clown costume. If you are respected for your work alone and clearly shut down any attempts to recruit you into the political circus, chances are the children will not drag you into their squabbles. They'll be happy someone reliable is doing the work while they're busy playing fiefdom and leave you alone, rather than risk having it crash down around themselves over confronting someone who has no issues calling the act for what it is. > By the end he seemed intent on making my team out to be under performing. Do not, under any circumstances, let these people remain vague. As soon as you see them make allusions, make them nail themselves down. Examples: "In your opinion, am I under performing?". If the answer is yes: "In what areas is my performance lacking? What would be an improvement?". If the answer is no or he doesn't know: "Oh. I see. You really gave the impression that you do think so.". He'll apologize. Nine times out of ten the conversation will end with the latter. Even if he intended to make you look bad, get ahead of it and he will be unprepared and reflexively be nice. Chances are he'll mind his behavior around you in the future. Bullshitters fear the blunt.