The Rules of Work

Some people seem to be just great at their job. They glide effortlessly onwards and upwards through all the politics, the back stabbing, the system, the nonsense that goes on. They always seem to say and do the right thing. Everybody likes them. They get pay rises and promotion. They get on with the boss. And somehow, they do all these without breaking much of a sweat or seeming to put in excess effort.Is there something they do that we don’t? Is it a natural ability or something we could all learn? The answer is a most definite and resounding yes. They know the 'Rules of Work'. These rules are about how you are seen to be doing your job – brilliantly and efficiently. They are about how you appear to others – successful and confident.

The Rules of Work takes simple information about how people relate to each other in a completely artificial environment - the workplace – and uses it to promote your rise up the ladder of success. This is the book for you if you want to get on and up without becoming ruthless or unpleasant. This is the book for you if you want to be successful and still be able to live with yourself, and be regarded as a thoroughly
decent person by your colleagues and bosses.

Rule 1: Walk Your Talk

1. Get your work noticed
2. Never stand still
3. Volunteer carefully
4. Carve out a niche for yourself
5. Under promise and over deliver
6. Know something the other's don't
7. Be 100% commited
8. Enjoy what you are doing
9. Develop the right attitude
10. Never let anyone know how hard you work

Rule 2: Know That You're Being Judged At All Times

1. Dress well
2. Cultivate a smile
3. No limp fish - develop the perfect handshake
4. Exude confidence and energy
5. Develop a style that gets you noticed
6. Pay attention to personal grooming
7. Be attractive
8. Be cool
9. Speak well
10. Write well

Rule 3: Have A Plan

1. Know what you want long term
2. Know what you want short term
3. Study the promotion system
4. Develop a game plan
5. Set objectives
6. Know your role
7. Know yourself - strengths and weaknesses
8. Identify key times and events
9. Anticipate threats
10. Look for opportunities

Rule 4: If You Can't Say Anything Nice - Shut Up

1. Don't gossip
2. Don't bitch
3. Stand up for others
4. Compliment people sincerely
5. Be cheerful and positive
6. Ask questions
7. Use 'please' and 'thank you'
8. Don't swear
9. Be a good listener
10. Only speak sense

Rule 5: Look After Yourself

1. Know the ethics of your industry
2. Know the legalities of your industry
3. Set personal standards
4. Never lie
5. Never cover up for anyone else
6. Keep records
7. Know the difference between the truth and the whole truth
8. Cultivate your support/contacts/friends
9. Understand others' motives
10. Assume everyone else is playing by different rules

Rule 6: Blend In

1. Know the corporate culture
2. Speak the language
3. Dress up or down accordingly
4. Be adaptable in your dealings with different people
5. Know where to hang out, and when
6. Understand the social protocols
7. Know the rules about authority
8. Know the rules about the office hierarchy
9. Never disapprove of others
10. Understand the herd mentality

Rule 7: Act One Step Ahead

1. Dress one step ahead
2. Talk one step ahead
3. Act one step ahead
4. Think one step ahead
5. Address corporate issues and problems
6. Talk of 'we' rather than 'I'
7. Walk the walk
8. Spend more time with senior staff
9. Get people to assume you have already made the step
10. Prepare for the step after next

Rule 8: Cultivate Diplomacy

1. Ask questions in times of conflict
2. Don't take sides
3. Know when to keep your opinions to yourself
4. Be conciliatory
5. Never lose your temper
6. Never get personal
7. Know how to handle other people's anger
8. Stand your ground
9. Be objective about the situation
10. Put things in perspective

Rule 9: Know the system - and milk it

1. Know all the unspoken rules of office life
2. Know what to call everyone
3. Know when to stay late and when to go early
4. Know the theft or perks rule
5. Identify the people who count
6. Be on the right side of the people who count
7. Be well up on new management techniques
8. Know the undercurrents and hidden agendas
9. Know the favourites and cultivate them
10. Know the mission statement and understand it

Rule 10: Handle The Opposition

1. Identify the opposition
2. Study them closely
3. Don’t back-stab
4. Know the psychology of promotion
5. Don’t give too much away
6. Keep your ear to the ground
7. Make the opposition seem irreplaceable
8. Don’t damn the opposition with faint praise
9. Capitalize on the career enhancing moments
10. Cultivate the friendship and approval of your colleagues