Are you a pawn or a player?
It's interesting how commonly we assume that being a "player" is inherently good, while being a "pawn" is undesirable. Yet, one day I heard this question posed to a high-level executive at a former company. Without hesitation, they said that, over time, they increasingly preferred the pawn option...
This is, in my opinion, a massive oversimplification. In any situation, we simultaneously occupy the roles of pawn and player, depending on our perspective at a particular moment.
So what can you do? Focus on what's within your control.
If you can't be a player in the traditional sense, seek to be a rook (or even a queen) in a game played by top grandmasters.
In other words, work for an organization that promotes healthy relationships and open communication, one with clear and simple rules. Be part of a team filled with smart and talented people, and find a leader you trust to guide you in the right direction.
You may not always decide your next move, but in the long term, you can choose the game you play and the people you play it with.