But that doesn't mean you have to play. Sometimes just doing your job and going home at the end of the day is the bast thing to do. You can never know who will end up being the boss at the end of this kind of struggle. And if not at the end of this struggle, what about at the end of the next? If this person fails to execute on their machinations this time, there must be a next time. Why risk offending anyone? The manager, the ambitious one and the HR staff are all adults. Even though they probably don't act like it.

Responses like "I have a deadline to meet" or "I'm sorry but I have a personal matter to take care of so I need to finish this task" come to mind.

And remember the 80-20 rule. 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. If you're a 20 percenter, like me, you're job is pretty safe. Because no matter what happens, you're the one keeping the other 80 percent in their jobs. And at the end of the day you must be loyal to yourself first. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't help anyone else.

The downside of being a 20 per center is that the 80 per centers get the promotions, the bonuses and the recognition, we get the job done.

For most people, it conjures up images of shady backroom deals and conniving people who push through their own agendas, usually at the expense of others. But if politics is a dirty word, then roll up your sleeves. Political skills are essential for every CIO. And you don’t have to sell your soul to master them.