> Whenever you are alone with them you talk them up

I recommend this strongly (and in a non-manipulative way too). If you have a 1:1 call with someone and open with a few compliments, it can do wonders. It takes a gigantic amount of humility to do this based upon the story so far, but if you can stay focused on the big picture it will usually work out better for everyone. Think: Take extra shit today and maybe you wind up being this person's boss sooner rather than later.

Be nice, especially when it is undeserved. This is the thing people expect the least and will give you an advantage. In a group setting, taking your 50 lashes with a cheery disposition will eventually result in other participants adopting a foul mood regarding the person doing the lashing.