The Rules of Work: The Unspoken Truth about Getting Ahead in Business

Okay.. The best part about this book is that each chapter represents one of the rules of work. If you don't feel you need to read in depth about one rule, just move on to the next chapter. 75 percent of the rules in this book are right on the money, like avoiding the gossip of work and knowing who the bosses favorites are and befriending them. This book should come free with your college degree if you're going into the corporate business world to work. Highly recommended!!! Hope this helps!!!

There are things in life and business that are caught, not taught. At least there used to be. With this book, Richard Templar takes many of those elements and puts them in a concise and easy form for those who are not fortunate enough to have a mentor, father or some other figure who will take the time and interest in them to teach them. An easy read, it demands returning on occassion to "brush up" on these kernels of wisdom. Many will read. Only some will deliberately put them into practise. Those who do will reap the benefits. A standard reference that I keep hidden in my desk. You should too.

The domain of this book extends well beyond business. It is one of those books I wish I'd written myself, after having experience with a variety of mentors in different contexts, and mentoring myself. The wisdom presented here is ageless and boundless. I would place it along with Bill O'Reilly's recent book as advice well presented for the young adult about to embark on the travails of life in the world of work, higher education, professional development, and life-decision making. Its admonitions are as useful for the neighborhood block party, the frat party, as for the boardroom and coffee room on the 24th floor of a New York highrise or the back room of a border security outpost. It is well organized, and presently in a friendly, easy to read fashion that will make it a pleasant read on a several hour flight, train trip, or rainy afternoon when keeping up with the ESPN scores will do. Share it carefully--because its knowledge is the type that will help you succeed, but you don't necessarily want others to know where you gained its valuable insights--let them marvel at your acumen and skill in all social situation--which, as Templar points out, don't really exist, because any social situaiton is really one in which your merits and liabilities will be enumerated and judged by peers, superiors, and subordinates. It incorporates also the accumulated wisdom of John Malloy's Dress for Success, imitated but never bettered--although the content here is much, much broader. Highly recommended to all who wish to avoid unnecessary pitfalls in life.

If ever there was a how to book on career success this has got to be it. This is a no nonsense and straight to the point book that covers the basics for a successful career. The book focuses on getting promoted or moving into a better position, but the rules are such that anyone can follow them and become better at your job. What gets me as while I was reading the book I kept thinking two thoughts. One was the fact that I kept thinking these rules are all common sense. The second was the number of the rules that I have seen broken or that I have broken. Overall I found the book wonderful. It was informative and well written. It gets right to the point and does not get bogged down in long winded and marginally useful examples. The book can be read in one sitting and is the perfect companion for a road trip. This is one book you will find yourself reading multiple times.

This is an exemplary work on the details of getting ahead in today's business environment. It incorporates some of Andrew Carnegie's advice, as well as others in the human relations art. Here are some of the more noteworthy pieces of advice : - get your work noticed by management - develop a niche or specific area of your expertise - overdeliver what you promised - make definitive commitments - be cognizant of your attitude - dress appropriately - smile and extend your hand for a handshake - exude energy and enthusiasm - be cool - speak well of others generally - set realistic objectives - keep copious records and notes - understand the corporate culture and hierarchy - speak in the "we" rather than the "I" mode - don't get too personal - study the opposition as well as proponents All of the above advice will constitute important precepts for the workplace. Naturally, the details of implementation will differ for each employer or work setting. Nonetheless, the general principles set forth by Templar are worthy of emulation. The work is important, if you intend to advance in a workplace of any size and complexity.