Be Nice to Assholes.

Today, in a most embarrassing manner, AES rejected me from the board. Guided by Foster and Emerson, I tried to make the best of the club, arranging for meeting and trying to become more involved in the investement process. At times, I might have seemed a little too pushy, therefore they decided to cut off probably one of the more passionate investors from a position of influence.
Moral of the Story: Be nice, even if people are assholes. If you are not, you could potentially lose some important positions, jobs, promotions, etc.
People choose who they like, not who necessarily does the best job.
Be both.

By the way, if the entire organization is immersed in asshole structure just quit and do your own gig. It's not worth it having to deal with people of this sort.