Never let anyone know how hard you work. That’s rule #10 from Richard Templar’s book “The Rules of Work: The Unspoken Truth About Getting Ahead in Business.” I read this book for the first time in 2008 when I had my first internship at George Mason University. I was assigned to read ten rules a week as a part of internship for credit course I enrolled in. I remember having a fondness for the book and stowing it away in my mini-library after finishing it. It wasn’t until about a month or so ago I was sitting in my apartment day dreaming and taking a break from whatever it was that I was doing and I spotted my “The Rules of Work” book. I started to flip through it and realized how much more meaning the book had acquired since I had graduated. An oldey but a goody, this book is a timeless tool that will help you sharpen your work skills at your job.
“The Rules of Work” breaks downs the dos and don’ts of the workplace in ten sections each containing ten rules. Templar’s writing style is very succinct and straight forward. There’s no psycho babble like hold your coworker’s hand when they get yelled at or it’s okay to cry at work. Templar realizes its a dog eat dog world out there and there’s no time to tip toe around everyone’s feelings. His book is for the super ambitious types that truly want to excel in the workforce and reach their full potential. Templar calls these people “Rules Players.” If you don’t want to ascribe to his rules, then he advises you to put down his book and carry on with how you perform at work currently.
By reading Templar’s rule book and actually practicing what he preaches you will:
- Get promoted
- Get along better with your colleges
- Feel better about yourself
- Enjoy your work more
- Understand your job better
- Understand your boss’s point of view better
- Be valued and respected
- Be successful if you leave to start your own business
There’s a few more things he promises but you’ll have to read his book to find out. What’s also great about Templar’s book is that it’s a quick read. Although it’s 200+ pages, you can breeze through his book without thinking twice about what you’re doing. Although some of the rules seem like no brainers, sometimes it can be easy to forget some of the most simplest things that will get your far (i.e. Use “Please” and “Thank You” Rule #37). Templar advises you use it for everything you ask for and receive. And when he means everything, he means eve-ry-thing.
A few things to keep in mind before reading Templar’s rules book is to remember that this book was published in 2005 before the massive popularity of social media. I kind of wish he mentioned what is appropriate to show on your profile and how to handle the usage of social media in a professional manner. I think we have a good idea of what to do but it would be great to hear it from the horse’s mouth. I think Templar’s book should be picked up every year or two to just refresh your memory of what rules you are not doing anymore and what rules you are still doing well.
I’d like to share some of my favorite rules to let people get a taste of what things to look forward to if they ever decide to pick up Templar’s classic:
- Underpromise and Overdeliver (#5)
- Never Let Anyone Know How Hard Your Work (#9)
- Dress Well (#11)
- No Limp Fish-Develop the Perfect Handshake (#13)
- Speak Well (#19)
- Write Well (#20)
- Anticipate Threats (#29)
- Use “Please and “Thank You” (#37)
- Keep Records (#46) *Probably one of the most important rules. It is crucial to protect yourself should all someone have against you is hearsay.
- Don’t Take Sides (#72)
- Put Things In Perspective (#80) *Another crucial rule. Don’t take your work drama home with you. Leave it at work where it belongs.
- Know When to Stay Late and When to Leave Early (#83) *Moral of the story is to get your work done and leave on time (or early). Don’t stay late for the sake of staying late.
- Know the Psychology of Promotion (#94) *This rule has helped me understand just because management or a company posts an opening doesn’t necessarily mean there is a genuine need for a replacement. There’s a million reasons there may be a mention of a new job or a need for a replacement.
If you need something broken down for you like what exactly to say in certain situations, then “The Rules of Work” is definitely for you. I feel it’s also worth the investment of buying since it’s such a good reference book to take out if you find yourself in a unpleasant situation at work. Pick up your copy of “The Rules of Work” at http://www.amazon.com/Rules-Work-Expanded-Definitive-Personal/dp/0137072066/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320943194&sr=8-1. Also, there is an expanded edition with 10 new rules which I see myself wanting to pick up soon :-). If you’ve read “The Rules of Work” , please share your thoughts below and let your ROAR be heard!
4.5/5 Stars
