The Rules of Work

Current Scenario
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 dont? 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.

So what are rules to succeed in your

work place

RULE 1 - WALK YOUR TALK

Get your work noticed

Never stand still
Volunteer carefully
Carve out a niche for yourself
Under promise and over deliver
Know something other dont
Be 100 per cent committed
Enjoy what you are doing
Develop the right attitude
Never let anyone know how
hard you work

RULE 2 - KNOW THAT YOURE BEING JUDGED

AT ALL TIMES
Dress well
Cultivate a smile
No limp fish-develop the perfect
handshake
Develop a style that gets you
noticed
Pay attention to personal grooming
Be attractive
Be cool
Speak well
Write well

RULE 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

RULE 4 - IF YOU CANT SAY ANYTHING

NICE-SHUT UP

Dont gossip
Dont bitch
Stand up for others
Compliment people
sincerely
Be cheerful and positive
Ask questions
Use please and thank
you
Dont swear
Be a good listener
Only speak sense

RULE 5 - LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Know the ethics of your industry

Know the legalities of your industry
Set personal standards
Never cover up for anyone else
Keep records
Know the difference between the truth and the
whole truth
Cultivate your support/contacts/friends
Understand others motives
Assume everyone else is playing by different
rules

RULE 6 - BLEND IN

Know the corporate culture

Speak the language
Dress up or down accordingly
Be adaptable in your dealings with
different people
Know where to hang out, and when
Understand the social protocols
Know the rules about authority
Know the rules about the office
hierarchy
Never disapprove of others
Understand the herd mentality

RULE 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
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

RULE 8 - CULTIVATE
DIPLOMACY

Ask questions in times of conflict

Dont take sides
Know when to keep your opinions to yourself
Be conciliatory
Never lose your temper
Never get personal
Know how to handle other peoples anger
Stand your ground
Be objective about the situation
Put things in perspective

RULE 9 - KNOW THE SYSTEM

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 people 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

RULE 10 - HANDLE THE

OPPOSITION

Identify the opposition

Study them closely
Dont back-stab
Know the psychology of promotion
Dont give too much away
Keep your ear to the ground
Make the opposition seem irreplaceable
Dont damn the opposition with faint
praise
Capitalize on the career enhancing
moments
Cultivate the friendship and approval of
your colleagues