The trick to management is to avoid them at all costs. Them, accounting, marketing, sales and IT. Manufacturing? They're okay.
The key to working with management is to understand that they often have different goals than you do. Understand what their motivating factors are, keep your name off of any "bad lists" and like you say, stay anonymous. A lot of people in the corporate world rightly try to establish their personal brand within the organization. This is great, however the best way to do it is to have your immediate boss singing your praises. For the most part, you don't want his bosses boss to know you exist. Early in my career I volunteered for every thing. I've since learned that it's far better for me to remain anonymous, always hit my numbers and keep my mouth shut. Also, I have absolutely no desire to ever end up in management. None. The pay increase doesn't justify the accountability increase in my opinion. I enjoyed being a "lone wolf." But then, I'm one of the bad guys in "sales"