WORKING as a business consultant allover the world, I have discovered somebasic career-related rules that everyoneshould know—but many don’t.
Business is made up of ambiguous victories andnebulous defeats. Claim them all as victories.
Keep track of what you do; someone is sure to ask.
Be comfortable around senior managers, or learn tofake it.
Never bring your boss a problem without some solution.You are getting paid to think, not to whine.
Long hours don’t mean anything; results count, noteffort.
Write down ideas; they get lost, like good pens.
Always arrive at work 30 minutes before your boss.
Help other people network for jobs. You never knowwhen your turn will come.Don’t take days off sick—unless you are.
Assume no one can/will keep a secret.
Know when you do your best—morning, night, underpressure, relaxed; schedule and prioritize yourwork accordingly.
Treat everyone who works in the organization withrespect and dignity, whether it be the cleaner or themanaging director. Don’t ever be patronizing.
Never appear stressed in front of a client, a customeror your boss. Take a deep breath and ask yourself: Inthe course of human events, how important is this?
If you get the entrepreneurial urge, visit someonewho has his own business. It may cure you.
Acknowledging someone else’s contribution willrepay you doubly.
Career planning is an oxymoron. The most excitingopportunities tend to be unplanned.
Always choose to do what you’ll remember ten yearsfrom now.
The size of your office is not as important as the sizeof your pay cheque.
Understand what finished work looks like and deliveryour work only when it is finished.
The person who spends all of his or her time is nothard-working; he or she is boring.
Know how to write business letters—includingthank-you notes as well as proposals.
Never confuse a memo with reality. Most memosfrom the top are political fantasy.
Eliminate guilt. Don’t fiddle expenses, taxes orbenefits, and don’t cheat colleagues.
Reorganizations mean that someone will lose his orher job. Get on the committee that will make therecommendations.
Job security does not exist.
Always have an answer to the question, “What would I do if I lost my job tomorrow?”
Go to the company Christmas party.
Don’t get drunk at the company Christmas party.
Avoid working at weekends. Work longer during theweek if you have to.
The most successful people in business are interesting.
Sometimes you’ll be on a winning streak and everythingwill click; take maximum advantage. Whenthe opposite is true, hold steady and wait it out.
Never in your life say, “It’s not my job.”
Be loyal to your career, your interests and yourself.
Understand the skills and abilities that set you apart.Use them whenever you have an opportunity.
People remember the end of the project. As they sayin boxing, “Always finish stronger than you start.”W
