Working for a manager who doesn’t advocate for you isn’t just frustrating — it can stall your career if you don’t learn how to navigate it. The good news? You have more control than you think. Here’s your insider guide to handling a manager who isn’t exactly your biggest cheerleader.

After spending 17 years navigating Corporate America, dodging political landmines (and stepping on some), and learning a few lessons the hard way, I’ve pulled together my top seven unwritten rules that EVERY employee should understand. Consider this your insider guide to avoiding the pitfalls you never saw coming.