It is unfortunate that a lot of work spaces tend to be led by inefficient, weak and unskilled managers who play into the needs of people who need affirmation, etc. This type of manager is most likely in desperate need to strike alliances because she has very little of value to offer the company herself. The efficient people who are integral to the companies success can usually stay out of the interpersonal banter and stick to their jobs and they tend to progress very well from day to day and year to year.

Everyone just get on with the job - talk only if it relates to the job at hand. Needs for affirmation and acknowledgement should be handled in psychotherapy and such people ought to find their way out of the company instead of being molly coddled at the expense of the company. If it's your job to molly coddle, guess what 'you're name is probably Bob' and you probably have nothing much to offer the company either ;-)