Yet another key life lesson that can be learned from 1980s movies, in this case "Wargames"

The only winning strategy is not to play. My pet theory, which admittedly is easier in theory than in practice, is to constantly make an effort to think of evey relationship you have within the office as a one to one relationship.

In other words if you have a problem with someone tell them, or avoid them. Don't hammer on about it to a third party. Likewise when you hear people complaining about so and so smile and nod but don't reinforce it, and don't go telling everyone else what so and so said.

Don't join cliques or make "alliances" against others. Just treat each person in the org in whatever way you think appropriate. It's not a path to instant fame, it's a restrained and patient approach that pays serious dividends in the longer term.

Let's face it. Most people are sharp enough to figure out that people who have nasty things to say about everyone else are saying something about you too when you're not around. When someone instigates a conversation where you would be inclined to bitch about another coworker and you don't take the bait you send a very strong message that you can be trusted in the other direction too.

Perhaps that's just a longer definition of the high road. If so that's the right approach.

Oh and be unfailingly honest. If being honest is impossible then be vague or avoid the topic. Give credit to others if it's incorrectly assigned to you, praise others when they are deserving even if you otherwise don't like them much.

The way to succeed at office politics is to be above it. And the thing you are trying to "win" or should be is respect, not just power. The former leads to the latter, while the converse is by no means guaranteed.