To start, I wanna preface this with the fact that I have little to no ability to recognize office politics. I'm more a drone kinda guy, but I'm concerned I might have an issue so hence the question.

So this last month has been unkind to me. I feel like I'm that French Waiter from the Simpsons, stumbling from one easily avoided screw up to another. My boss, not without cause, likely regards me as the weakest link. I'm banished to the kiddie table, at the moment.

My problem is that I helped recruit some friends to my old job, to bring them to my current office. They will be starting soon, and while both are smart I worry their gratitude might color their opinions of me.

What should I do to make sure the stink of my screw-ups doesn't affect them?