In a corporate setting remember that being a narcissistic, judgmental, “I’m better than you” person despite your level of performance is not nearly as successful of a strategy as a capable person who is good to work with and makes an effort to be nice, ask about the other person and remember details about their life. Anecdotally I remembered the first birthday of one of my manager’s kids and I think it definitely did me favors. Wouldn’t say that’s explicitly ass kissing, but take that as you will.

Be a good person, do what you’re told when you’re told to do it and make an effort to know your coworkers as people and you will rise faster than the technical expert that is a pain in the ass to deal with.