It a wild jungle out there.. it definitely ain't easy to slide through. Survival of the fittest, that how I would want to put it. A perfect team is something that we can only dream of . If the team is good, the Manager would be manipulative and scheming ( like I have faced) or if the Manager is good then people around you would be extra smart.. you get these kinds all the while all the time. Take learning from day to day events and you'll be able to survive anywhere. Never trust people easily. Just do your own bit, maintain a good visibility, don't let people walk away with your credit and BE SMART always. At the same time do not overstep your limits and do not take any crap from anyone. and most imp( which I have learnt from my experience NEVER EVER Run away from situations. Face them and fight them through....

I would agree to a certain extent but it is not correct to use associative property while branding the superiors in companies. Recession has nothing to do with the way people behave or cooperate with their subordinates in corporate world. I understand that there is certain amount of politics when working in a team but this can also work in your favor. Right from our college days, we feel the pinch if a colleague is being appreciated in front of us for his/her achievements. This action brings out the zeal in you to replicate his/her achievements and thus makes you more focused.
Moreover, if working as a lone writer, it becomes little difficult to express your feelings in tough times. However, it is better to work in a team before getting an opportunity to work as a lone writer.
I also don’t think "how to call a spade a spade" is a better alternative. Every individual has different attitude. Some are impulsive by nature while some are gentle. Hence, for petty reasons one cannot change their natural behavior over night and earn the wrath of people for unnecessary reasons not attached to work.
Hence, my conclusion would be to remain focused in your work barring all circumstances. Abstain from unnecessary talks and gossips and this paves the way for your personal improvement.

Regards,
Srip

Thank you all for making us aware of the situations that we might have to deal with when we join an organization. I am trainee and a fresher looking forward to a great career in this field and hence the details provided was quite awakening for me. Personally though I believe that good work, sincerity and strong values go a long way in making a person grow and although politics and favouritism might survive for a short while quality work can never go in vain. Opportunities will pour in not only from Indian companies but also from abroad where a person will find a good work environment in the long run. A Crooked mind and unhealthy practices do not survive for long. One has to be smart in handling these, I agree ,but one also need not essentially be a part of the dirty game to survive.