This is part two in a ten part series helping reduce the rage in your workday. To read more about the series, click here. Click here to subscribe and don’t miss a post.

Survivor is the king of reality television. It was one of the first on television, it’s been on for years, and it is still a ratings winner? But why?

It’s not the locations, or the challenges, or even the host. It’s the human element. Complete strangers stuck on a island with nothing but their smarts. Those smarts are tested the most in the form of alliances. A strong alliance can take a contestant straight to the money. Pick the wrong partner and they are gone quicker than an unclaimed bowl of cooked rice.

Alliances are just as important at work.

There are people in the office who can take you to the top and a few that could get you fired on the spot. The right alliance can make your work life much easier just thanks to the minor fact you are friends.

Here are some important steps to ensure you aren’t voted off the island (that means fired):

Learn the difference between friends and work friends

People assume work friends are also real friends and they think that the same rules of friendship apply to both. They don’t. If you are only friends with a person during work hours then they aren’t a real friend. They are a coworker that you happen to be friendly with. If you see this person at social events and in situations that have nothing to do with the company, then they are probably a real friend.

You’re real friends wouldn’t step on you to a promotion or raise. If they would, you need real friends, and we can discuss how to ditch these bastards in another blog. Group people into categories and treat them accordingly. If they have screwed you before they will do it again. Don’t get tricked twice.

Keep your enemies close, but not too close

There are people that want to see you fail. Hell, I’m not even a fan of yours. You have to keep in the good graces of those people that want you gone. You don’t have to go out of your way to fondle their ego but always act cordial, give compliments, and remark how you admire their work and dedication. Sure it’s all bull, but it will at least make them think twice before pushing you in front of the bus.

Be especially aware of those enemies with the ear of the boss. They are the deadliest. Stay off their radar. You don’t have to make nice, you just have to stay out of their cross hairs. One bad interaction in the break room and they are building a case.

Distance yourself from the dead weight

Everyone can point out the office slacker. The guy/gal who does nothing all day yet someone skates by year after year. He/she is also your lunch buddy. That has to end. People will associate you with the slacker. It takes two to instant message and send emails all day about how much you hate your boss. You must be just as guilty of doing nothing on the company dime.

Ditch ‘em. If it’s a true friend outside the office walls, figure out a way to cut down on your office time together. Change your lunch time. Pretend you’re busy with work. If they aren’t a real friend, just keep the friendly banter to a minimum.

Don’t be the scapegoat

Everyone has a scapegoat. The person to blame when they can’t get their job done. “Well I wanted to finish that project, but I’ve been waiting for ____ to get me the numbers for two weeks.” Fill in the blank. YOU are the blank. Don’t be the missing link on any project.  Yes, this means DOING work. Just enough to get people off your back.

In the same token, you need a scapegoat. Someone to blame should you do something wrong. Sucks but someone would do it to you.

Make nice with the important people

This is the gentle way of saying kiss a little ass. It’s not the most pleasant part of the job but it’s a necessary move to ensure you’re considered for every promotion and never one of the heads on the chopping block.

The most important rule of kissing butt is to never make it obvious to everyone else in the office. No one likes the ass kisser because THEY want to be in that position. Make sure to keep the kissing underground. Reserve it for emails to the boss or quick phone calls while they are in the office. Don’t do anything that will bring attention to yourself like being the only one to remember a bosses anniversary with the company or coordinating a pot luck lunch for the owner’s birthday.

Pucker up, buttercup. It’s going to take you places.

Reduce the Rage

Learning to manage the relationships at work will go a long way in making you office life tolerable.In the end, remember, this is just business. Feelings get hurt.

Play the game right and you might end up being the lone Survivor.

Next Week: Learn something new

Reduce the Rage #1: Resolve to bitch and moan (just this once)