> > what they expect to be rewarded for.

> they've learned how to quickly impress that personal signature onto the people around them so that those people know what to expect.

I think you point still fits in the article's premise: the people that impress you are able to get rewarded for what they do, whether the manager initially intended to do so.

On the other hand, if they constantly don't get rewarded they'll eventually leave for greener pastures, so it stays a crucial part.