Here is a counterpoint: To a certain extent, you always have to play some politics wherever you work unless it is just you with maybe one or two others. Some

Here is a counterpoint: To a certain extent, you always have to play some politics wherever you work unless it is just you with maybe one or two others. Some workplaces are less influenced by them (tech being an example when compared to finance or management consulting) and other games are played without realizing it on both sides (Do you tell your boss their idea is "stupid" or do you try to explain the reasoning why your idea is superior? Alternately, your boss won't be too excited to bring you in on a new idea if you only tell them their ideas are stupid). You work in an environment with people. The better you do, the more people with whom you will likely have to interact and the more you'll probably have to play the game. Environments that deal with human interaction are going to be subject to some form of politics simply because people are going to be more inclined to assist those they like over those they don't (quality of work being fairly comparable). If you don't like the political atmosphere of where you work, there is nothing wrong with that. The best option is to probably find another place to work that has fewer games (or more, if that's what your into). Politics tend to be a cultural thing and changing the culture of a workplace is... hard. Unless you are in a position of power, you won't be able to drive that change without bringing people to your side which, ironically, requires that you play some of the games.