THE RULES OF WORK by Richard Templar

The Rules of Work was written by Richard Templar. The book was published by Pearson Education Limited and this book is the fourth edition published in 2015. It was first published in 2003 followed in 2010 and 2013. Richard started writing the Rules of Work in 2002. According to him it just seemed like a good idea to set out all those unspoken Rules it takes years to learn at work, so he could give other people a short cut. He had picked up over so many years of watching successful people negotiate their way through the obstacle courses of their careers, and make clear what it was that helped people get further, faster.

Briefly, I could say that the book is an eye opener for me. It enlightens anyone who does not seem to be able to find the map to rise to the top. This book explains the guiding principles that will improve what to do and how to do. The Rules Of Work will give us unmistakable air of confidence that will win us admiration, respect and help us towards our next promotion. What are those rules??. They are:

1. Walk your talk
a. Get your work noticed - The unsolicited report is a brilliant way to stand out from the crowd
b. Never Stand still - In an ideal world the rules player will have got their work done by lunchtime so that they have the afternoon free
c. Volunteer carefully - Before you put your hand uo to volunteer for anything, think very carefully
d. Carve out a niche for yourself - If the other bosses think you are a good idea then your boss really has to go along with it
e. Under promise and over deliver - You will never deliver late or deliver short
f. Learn to ask why - Taking an interest in the whole organization and not just your corner of it
g. Be 100 pc committed
h. Learn from others' mistakes
i. Enjoy what you are doing
j. Be passionate but don't kill yourself - Its not about how you work but its about how you feel
k. Manage your energy
l. Never let anyone know how hard you work - to be very good at your job
m. Keep your home life at home - no one can enjoy themselves fully when their mind is elsewhere


2. Know that you are being judged at all times
People making judgement on the way we dress, the car we drive, where we go on holiday, how we talk and walk... everything is subject to the judgement of others.

a. Cultivate a smile - it has to be genuine to appear genuine
b. No limp fish - develop the perfect handshake - Forget about the high five, the masonic switches or anything gangsta-style
c. Exude confidence and energy
d. Develop a style that gets you noticed - Think Lauren Bacall rather than Madonna
e. Pay attention to personal grooming
f. Be attractive - Looks are all in the smile and the eyes
g. Be cool
h. Speak well - Getting information over clearly and effectively (bright, clear, pleasant and simple)

3.Have a plan

a. Know what you want long and short term
b. Study the promotion system
c. Develop a game plan
d. Set objectives
e. Know your role
f. Know yourself - strengths and weaknesses
g. Identify key times and events
h. Anticipate threats
i. Look for opportunities
j. Make learning a lifelong mission


4.If you can't say anything nice, then shut up

a. Don't gossip
b. Don't bitch
c. Stand up for others
d. Compliment people sincerely
e. Be cheerful and positive
f. Ask questions
g. Use "please' and 'thank you"
h. Don't swear
i. Be a good listener
j. Only speak sense

5.Look after yourself

a. Know the ethics of your industry
b. Know the legalities of your industry
c. Set personal standard
d. Never lie
e. Never cover up for anyone else
f. Keep records
g. Know the difference between the truth and the whole truth
h. Cultivate your support /contacts/friends
i. Date with caution
j. Understand others' motives
k. Assume everyone else is playing by different rules
l. Keep the faith
m. Put things in perspective


6.Blend in
a. Know the corporate culture
b. Speak the language
c. Dress up and down accordingly
d. Be adaptable in your dealings with different people
e. Make your boss look good
f. Know where and when to hang out
g. Understand the social protocols
h. Know the rules about authority and office hierarchy
i. Never disapprove of others
j. Understand the herd mentality


7. Act one step ahead
a. Dress one step ahead
b. Talk one step ahead
c. Act one step ahead
d. Think one step ahead
e. Address corporate issues and problems
f. Make your company better for having you here
g. Talk of "we" rather than "I"
h. Walk the walk
i. Spend more time with senior staff
j. Get people to assume you have already made the step
k. Prepare for the step after next

8. Cultivate diplomacy
a. Ask question in times of conflict
b. Don't take sides
c. Know when to keep your opinions to yourself
d. Be conciliatory
e. Never lose your temper
f. Never get personal
g. Know how to handle other people's anger
h. Stand your ground
i. Be objective about the situation

9. Know the system - and milk it
a. Know all the unspoken rules of office life
b. Know what to call everyone
c. Know when to stay late and when to go early
d. Know the theft or perks rule
e. Identify the people who count
f. Be on the right side of people who count
g. Be well up on new management techniques
h. Know the undercurrents and hidden agendas
i. Know the favourites and cultivate them
j. Know the mission statement - and understand it

10. Handle the opposition
a. Identify the opposition
b. Study them closely
c. Don't back stab
d. Know the psychology of promotion
e. Don't give too much away
f. Keep your ear to the ground
g. Make the opposition seem irreplaceable
h. Don't damn the opposition with faint praise
i. Capitalize on the career-enhancing moments
j. Cultivate the frienship and approval of your colleagues
k. Know whwn to break the Rules

11. The rules of power
a. Knowledge is power
b. Be able to walk away
c. Know who you are dealing with
d. Be authoritative
e. Be likeable
f. Know who you are
g. Be great at your job
h. Get people on your side
i. Be controlled
j. Don't give it away