I’ve been navigating the corporate world for almost 40 years. It took me a while, but found a strategy that helps.
I think of it now as a game like
“Survivor” or “The Apprentice”. You have to strategize before jumping all in.
What exactly is the culture? Who is your ally? Who is your nemesis? Who gives you valid info? Who is full of shit? Who is listened to? Who is ignored? Who actually makes decisions? What organization within the company is the profit maker?
Then you figure out some critical process or learn to access/interpret datapoints that no one owns. Then make it yours.
It’s a game. People cheat. People lie. People protect their turf. Coworkers you think are your friend may stab you in the back. Don’t take it personally. Keep your cool. Stay moderately aloof. Try not to talk until spoken to, especially in meetings. When you do talk, keep it short, clear… and uncomplicated.
And never give away your cards.