Cooperating or not
Consider carefully before you help anybody with anything. Be cautious especially when it is not clear what the goal is. Pose questions starting with why. Gain insight by getting answers, whether straight or hazy. “He gives twice who gives without delay.” but it could cost you a lot. Make yourself valuable to those with power, knowledge or tenure. Once you have determined who these people are, go out of your way to offer assistance. Don’t be too helpful to your colleagues, you may just give them the edge that will allow them to outshine you. Quietly observe how the high-fliers in your office behave.