> We are not talking just simple "outdo the master" type of manoeuvrings. We are talking about lying, maliciously spreading rumors, destroying other people's careers, while keeping a "friendly and smiling face", and dropping people like a rock once done with them.
I try to do this as a hobby. (Diplomacy..) But it would piss me off mightily at the work place (or anywhere outside the game).
Can you elaborate on what you mean? Are you referring to "the game" as in Neil Strauss (women), or something more akin to The Wire (making money in dirty ways)
Edit: 3rd option, and almost certainly right, is that Diplomacy is a game, which a quick googling revealed. My nerd-fu is weak! Sounds like you'd be good at Mafia/Werewolf.
I know of Mafia/Werewolf, but they are too arbitrary for me. Diplomacy (the game, yes) puts some substance underneath the negotiations --- some alliances are easier to pull off and more natural than others, but they can all be made to work.
Also a honest and straightforward approach often works best. Or more accurately --- in the vein of Machiavelli --- being known for an honest and straightforward approach, which is not the same thing.
P.S. Please pardon that I only wrote "the game". I am too much involved in "the hobby".
I try to do this as a hobby. (Diplomacy..) But it would piss me off mightily at the work place (or anywhere outside the game).