Rules You Never Learned in School

Repost from Baseline Magazine

By Dennis McCafferty on 2010-08-17

Building a career takes more than knowledge of programming, project management, or other traditional tech skills. There are any number of people-oriented traits that separate those who continue to move upward and those who remain stuck in neutral year after year—but good luck finding a class to teach these skills. In a new, expanded version of his book, The Rules of Work (FT Press/now available), author Richard Templar explores some of the ways that professionals can make themselves more valuable when they're not focusing on their core duties. It's not simply about getting along with others and sucking up to superiors. It's about presenting yourself as a well-rounded, focused, energized professional, and it's about avoiding classic bad behaviors and casting the most positive impression upon others that you can. You could be the Peyton Manning of IT integration but if you indulge in sloppy personal behaviors, you risk your career. There are 108 rules in Templar's updated book.

Here are 15 that we liked:

1. Underpromise and Overdeliver
Always exceed managers' expectations on project scope, deadlines, etc. and they'll never be disappointed.

2. Carve Out a Niche
Distinguish yourself by becoming a specialist. Elevate yourself as the resident office expert on something useful.

3. Be Careful About Relationships
Office romances are risky. At the very least, tread cautiously and be discreet.

4. Watch Your Language
The wrong words in front of the wrong peer, manager or customer could lead to trouble. 5. Don’t Carry Dead Wood
Helping co-workers is great, but getting taken advantage of is not.

6. Write Well
Business correspondence should be clear, concise and purpose-driven. Check for spelling, grammar, typos.

7. Look Good
Work is not a beauty contest, but your good grooming, eye contact, and smiling help win over team members and bosses.

8. Leave Home at Home
Sharing something about life outside work is nice. Dwelling on domesticproblems is distracting to you and others.

9. Study the Promotion System
Find out how and why people get promoted and follow their example.

10. Be Energetic
Drag yourself into the office, and people will notice.

11. Don’t Complain
Heavy workload? Tight deadlines? Stress? Join the club.

12. Understand the Organization
Followers work in their own little corners. Leaders know how the parts come together.

13. Take Notes
Follow up meetings and conversations with an email about what comes next.

14. Make the Boss Look Good
You get noticed if your manager gets noticed.

15. No “I” in “Team”
Substitute “we” for “I” as often as possible.