The Rules of Work

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A new edition of one of the world's bestselling success at work guides. The brand new edition of this highly regarded, timeless and unforgettable book will bring you the empowering and life changing guidance of Richard Templar. Packed with common sense advice, thought-provoking ideas, practical strategies and down-to earth wisdom, together with a big dash of humour and honesty, Rules of Work simply and clearly explains the 100 tenets of a happy, successful and fulfilling life at work.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• 1 Walk your talk
• Get your work noticed
• Never stand still
• Volunteer carefully
• Carve out a niche for yourself
• Under promise and over deliver
• Learn to ask why
• Be 100 per cent committed
• Learn from others' mistakes
• Enjoy what you're doing
• Develop the right attitude
• Be passionate but don't kill yourself
• Manage your energy
• Never let anyone know how hard you work
• Keep your home life at home
• 2 Know that you're being judged at all times
• Cultivate a smile
• No limp fish - develop the perfect handshake
• Exude confidence and energy
• Develop a style that gets you noticed
• Pay attention to personal grooming
• Be attractive
• Be cool
• Speak well
• Write well
• 3 Have a plan
• Know what you want long term
• Know what you want short term
• Study the promotion system
• Develop a game plan
• Set objectives
• Know your role
• Know yourself - strengths and weaknesses
• Identify key times and events
• Anticipate threats
• Look for opportunities
• Make learning a lifelong mission
• 4 If you can't say anything nice - shut up
• Don't gossip
• Don't bitch
• Stand up for others
• Compliment people sincerely
• Be cheerful and positive
• Ask questions
• Use 'please' and 'thank you'
• Don't swear
• Be a good listener
• Only speak sense
• 5 Look after yourself
• Know the ethics of your industry
• Know the legalities of your industry
• Set personal standards
• Never lie
• Never cover up for anyone else
• Keep records
• Know the difference between the truth and the whole truth
• Cultivate you support/contacts/friends
• Date with caution
• Understand the others' motives
• Assume everyone else is playing by different rules
• Keep the faith
• Put things in perspective
• 6 Blend in
• Know the corporate culture
• Speak the language
• Dress up or down accordingly
• Be adaptable in your dealings with different people
• Make your boss look good
• Know where to hang out, and when
• Understand the social protocols
• Know the rules about authority
• Know the rules about hierarchy
• Never disapprove of others
• Understand the herd mentality
• 7 Act one step ahead
• Dress one step ahead
• Talk one step ahead
• Act one step ahead
• Think one step ahead
• Address corporate issues and problems
• Make your company better for having you there
• Talk of 'we' rather than 'I'
• Walk the walk
• Spend more time with senior staff
• Get people to assume you have already made the step
• Prepare for the step after next
• 8 Cultivate diplomacy
• Ask questions in times of conflict
• Don't take sides
• Know when to keep your opinions to yourself
• Be conciliatory
• Never lose your temper
• Never get personal
• Know how to handle other people's anger
• Stand your ground
• Be objective about the situation
• 9 Know the system - and milk it
• Know all the unspoken rules of office life
• Know what to call everyone
• Know when to stay late and when to go early
• Know the theft or perks rule
• Identify the peopl who count
• Be on the right side of the people who count
• Be well up on new management techniques
• Know the undercurrents and hidden agendas
• Know the favourites and cultivate them
• Know the mission statement - and understand it
• 10 Handle the opposition
• Identify the opposition
• Study them closely
• Don't back-stab
• Know the psychology of promotion
• Don't give too much away
• Keep your ear to the ground
• Make the opposition seem irreplaceable
• Don't damn the opposition with faint praise
• Capitalise on the career-enhancing moments
• Cultivate the friendship and approval of your colleagues
• 11 Postscript - Know when to break the Rules