Relationships are really important for getting stuff done at work. An irrelevant water cooler conversation that clicks can make someone your future ally. Having a better idea of someone's interests and priorities can make it easier to persuade them when the time comes.

Simply smiling at someone nicely over the coffeepot a few times can make them disposed to help you later. A three minute chat about nothing, and now you have a contact in IT/purchasing/payroll...