The most effective way to do it, is to do it.
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
To know oneself, one should assert oneself.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
If you've got a talent, protect it.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
Either you run the day or the day runs you.
Never complain and never explain.
Leap, and the net will appear.
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
Your political reputation affects how likely allies are to trust you, and what kind of deals they'll offer at the negotiating table. There's also some emotional response in there, so factions do bear grudges. Just like the real thing.