Climbing the ladder is for suckers

Safe and strategic, in my place of work. But the real answer fro you will depend on your work, what sort of place it is, and the personalities of the people you work with,

Neither. Playing it safe will not get you noticed by the boss and going wild may get you fired or demoted. Be the first one to work and the last one to leave. Do your job better than anyone else at the company. Dress appropriately and be hygienic/clean.

If there are opportunities for additional training and or education that would open doors for promotion, jump at them.

As @elbanditoroso said, it depends on the work I’m doing. As @Cruiser said, if I played it safe in all areas of my job I’d blend into the background. If you want promotion and to be given opportunities, you have to stand out from the crowd – but for good reasons. I’m happy to put myself out there if it’s going to demonstrate my talents.

When it comes to causing trouble, bitching about other people and generally being a pain in the arse, I take the safe road and keep schtum.