10 Lessons for Surviving in the Corporate World I RockXpo

1. Make your boss look good. I’ve never heard of someone get promoted to become their boss’ boss. Your boss has the potential to save you from trouble and to land you in trouble. If you remain in your boss’ good books without sucking up, you’ve won half the career battle.
2. Underpromise, overdeliver. Turn into someone who smashes deadlines and goes beyond doing just what she’s told. Set a deadline when you’re 200 percent sure you can complete the work within 80 percent of that time.
3. Deliver bad news early. Most people are afraid to deliver bad news. But when the shit hits the fan, they get pinned to the wall for not highlighting the news earlier. While delivering such news, remember: Never blame a person or situation, and always provide a possible solution.
4. Learn business writing. According to Jason Fried, writing is today’s currency for good ideas. Clear writing makes you think clearer and appear smarter. People respect you and listen to your opinions. And research proves that people with good writing skills often earn better salaries.
5. Look busy. Always have a few Excel sheets open on your machine. When you walk around, carry a bunch of papers, even if they mean nothing. Appear like someone who’s always doing something.
6. Showcase your work. It won’t speak by itself today. You don’t have to thump your chest, but keep necessary stakeholders apprised of progress on your project. This makes you appear like a proactive person and keeps you on the radar of people who matter.
7. Build meaningful relationships. You don’t need to know everything happening in your colleagues’ and boss’ life. But figure out what drives them. These relations will prove handy when you want to convince seniors about an idea. Plus, people with a good number of friends generally stay insulated from office politics.
8. Aim for a tie. Allow people across the table to leave with something. They won’t just appreciate it; they’ll also return the favor in times of need. (Remember being safer when it comes to office politics?)
9. Be honest. But not too honest. Being upfront about all your mistakes will lead to you getting tagged as a scapegoat. Learn from ALL your mistakes, but own up to a FEW.
10. Avoid cribbers. And whiners. They’re good for nothing but gossip. Gossip with them about someone else might be fun today, but soon you’ll be the subject of their slander. Avoid gossip like a plague.
11. Look for a better job. Stay loyal to your job, not your company. If you become loyal to your company, you’ll get disappointed if it doesn’t reward you in ways you expect, And the firm won’t bat an eyelid if it has to lay you off. While working at your job, keep looking for a better one, and make the switch if you find it.