[originaltext] You may be all these things at the office, and more. But when

You may be all these things at the office, and more. But when it comes to getting ahead, experts say, the ABCs of business should include a P, for politics, as in office politics.
    Hard work alone doesn’t ensure career advancement. You have to be able to sell yourself and your ideas, both publicly and behind the scenes. Yet, despite the obvious rewards of engaging in office politics --a better job, a raise, praise—many people are still unable or unwilling to "play the game."
    People assume that office polities involve some tactful behaviors, but politics derive from the word "polite". It can mean communication and forming associations. It can mean being kind and helpful, or even trying to please your superior, and then expecting something in return.
    In fact, today, experts define office politics as proper behavior used to pursue one’s own self-interest in the workplace. In many cases, this involves some form of socializing within the office environment-- not just in large companies, but in small workplaces as well.
    The first thing people are usually judged on is their ability, but if two or three candidates are up for a promotion, each of whom has reasonably similar ability, a manager is going to promote the person he or she likes best. It’s simple human nature.     Yet, psychologists say, many employees and employers have trouble with the concept of politics in the office. Some people, they say, have an idealistic vision of work and what it takes to succeed. Still others associate politics with flattery, fearful that, if they speak up for themselves, they may appear to be flattering their boos for favors. Experts suggest altering this negative picture by recognizing the need for some self-promotion.