WELCOME TO OFFICE POLITICS 101

As Monica Lewinsky learned after confiding in her office buddy Linda Tripp, work is not always a safe place. Nor is it fair. We are judged--and judge each other--on many levels that have nothing to do with job performance.

Not that this comes as any surprise to most of us. The urge to jockey for advantage is in our genetic coding. But as the workplace evolves from traditional top-down models into flatter, more entrepreneurial and diverse patterns, so too do the unwritten rules change.

Take the notion of “business casual” dressing, which shows up in many offices on Friday and on some jobs every day. No matter how many studies casual-garb makers crank out to prove that the grunge look is good for morale and productivity, image mavens say workers should enter this mosh pit of fashion at their peril. How you look can be almost as important as how you perform, reveals Marla Dickerson on page 3.

Even how you set up your work space matters. Does your office boast that you’re a rising star? Or does it tactlessly inform co-workers, superiors and clients that you’re yesterday’s news? Look for some pointers to improve your “office image” on page 12.

And don’t overlook those work related get-togethers that look like social engagements--but aren’t. You might not realize it, workplace observers say, but routinely ditching corporate gatherings could jeopardize your career. Attending such functions as picnics, going-away parties, baby showers and company outings is one of the best, and simplest, ways to demonstrate company loyalty and turn co-workers into allies, Melinda Fulmer explains in a story on page 6.

If you want to get right to the rough stuff, check out the infighting tips on page 16 from experts who have studied treachery in the workplace. As one university professor says, combine scarce resources with weak people, and somebody is bound to go for the jugular.

There are other, somewhat more benign forms of politics. Gossip (which has its benefits), goldbricking and teaching political skills to new recruits are among them. Read on to find a strategy that works for you.