I don’t like fake connections at work but team bonding is also part of the game if you want to move up or dodge a bullet. I had the mindset that good work should speak for itself, and was a high performer when I found out a colleague was talking trash to our boss about my work, I found out from a team mate with whom I naturally built a rapport with on the job. Overtime I realized shutting yourself out also means you don’t know what’s happening in the office politics. From personal experience, the office can be like high school. Make allies where you can and be a good team mate on group projects.