Get Rid of the Box

There are publications and articles on the web offering all kinds of advice on self-improvement, tips on how to become a millionaire, taking a fast road to success, etc. etc.  All make sense when you read, but mostly hard to apply in real life.  Here is ‘unconventional wisdom’ to crack the code at workplace, from my personal experience that may work for you…..

1. It is a fact - 80% of success comes from your personality; which is the ability to communicate, negotiate and lead. 20% is due to technical knowledge.  Therefore, don’t waste too much of your life in earning advanced degrees, certifications and titles. Instead, work on image-building, developing self-confidence, public-speaking and networking. 
2. Bullshit works, as long you have about 20% substance in it. It is better to add 80% ‘fluff’ rather than being straight to the point, just to have everyone’s attention, longer.  People who can talk more are generally more successful.
3. Don’t be the smartest person in the room. It’s a good feeling, but in the long run works counter-productive.  There is more learning and growth when you surround yourself with people more skilled than you.
4. Straight trees are cut first, and the squeaky wheel gets the oil. ‘Nice guys’ are easily made scapegoats and taken advantage of. It is ok to reveal ‘bad-ass’ side of your personality once in a while without crossing the line of sanity.  It is also ok to complain to your boss how little you are being paid for the work you do.
5. Everyone loves funny and over-friendly people. However, these types of people are considered non-threatening and therefore, not taken seriously at the work-place.  No harm if you are one by nature, just keep these personality traits under the cover as much as you can.  In other words, act serious in the office. Select who you are with at the happy-hour socials where it’s easier to lose guard.
6. Micromanagement is not for seasoned professionals. When you have to micro-manage, you belong to a dysfunctional team. Fix the problem.  If you are being micro-managed, develop the lacking skill or move out of there.  You could be in a ‘square peg in a round hole’ situation.
7. Don’t keep your office clean and well organized. It may look nice but gives an impression that you have too much time at your hands.  Create some ‘organized clutter’ around you.
8. Smokers bond better than non-smokers. By no means am I suggesting non-smokers to start smoking.  However, it is a good idea to occasionally hang out in the smoking lounge (even without smoking) and socialize with co-workers.
9. Workaholics are not admired but taken advantage of. This is the reality.  You are not gaining anything by staying late in the office.  If your job requires longer hours, learn to manage time more efficiently and address the situation to your superiors.
10. Finishing a task too late is not good. We can all agree.  Finishing it too early is also not recommended.  This raises the expectation that could harm you in the long run.  Finish a task just before or on the deadline.

Not everything we have learned in life makes sense.  The idea is not to think out of the box; but to get rid of the box.  If you can’t, make yourself not fit in the box, and then Think.