Political skill or ability to do the job, which will take you further in business?

[Fumesucker]

Assuming the job isn't entirely political I guess..

Lobbyist?

And of course I'm talking about in general, not specific.

[barbtries]

1. knowing the right people?

i would hope ability. i would hope that we will as a nation be done with promoting people to the level of their incompetence, or worse. gwbush achieved the level of his incompetence and ended up president. obama is brilliant and his presidency may demonstrate that. i hope.

[Buzz Clik]

2. Once you get a job ...

... ability to do the job will make you a valuable asset. However, assuming you have the desire to climb the management ladder, you'll need some serious political and personal skills.

[jules1962]

3. Gotta say ability.

I refuse to suck up to the boss.