When it comes to getting ahead, (36) say, the ABCs of business should include a P, for politics, as in office politics. Dale Carnegie suggested more than 50 years ago: Hard work alone doesn’t (37) career advancement. You have to be able to sell yourself and your ideas, both (38) and behind the scenes. Yet, despite the obvious (39) of engaging in office politics—a better job, a raise, praise—many people are still unable—or unwilling—to "play the game." "People (40) that office politics involves some manipulative behavior," says Deborah Comer, an assistant professor of (41) at Hofstra University. "But politics (42) from the word ’polite’. It can mean being kind and helpful, or even trying to please your (43) , 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, (44) —not just in large companies, but in small workplaces as well. Yet, psychologists say, (45) . Some people, they say, have an idealistic vision of work and what it takes to succeed. Still others associate politics with flattery, fearful that (46) . Experts suggest altering this negative picture by recognizing the need for some self-promotion. When it comes to getting ahead, (36) say, the ABCs of business should include a P, for politics, as in office politics. Dale Carnegie suggested more than 50 years ago: Hard work alone doesn’t (37) career advancement. You have to be able to sell yourself and your ideas, both (38) and behind the scenes. Yet, despite the obvious (39) of engaging in office politics—a better job, a raise, praise—many people are still unable—or unwilling—to "play the game." "People (40) that office politics involves some manipulative behavior," says Deborah Comer, an assistant professor of (41) at Hofstra University. "But politics (42) from the word ’polite’. It can mean being kind and helpful, or even trying to please your (43) , 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, (44) —not just in large companies, but in small workplaces as well. Yet, psychologists say, (45) . Some people, they say, have an idealistic vision of work and what it takes to succeed. Still others associate politics with flattery, fearful that (46) . Experts suggest altering this negative picture by recognizing the need for some self-promotion.