If there is a big meeting held to announce that the company is definitely not being acquired, it will be acquired soon.
Likewise, if there is any communication announcing that the rumors of layoffs are incorrect, there will definitely be layoffs within a few months.
If HR emphasizes repeatedly that you aren’t to discuss your salary with anyone, you are probably receiving much worse compensation than your peers.
Bringing in contractors is a way for management to avoid blame when a project fails, and yet also a way to receive praise and promotion when a project goes well. It is a win/win for management and usually a negative to full-time employees.
If you receive a mass email from HR yet it doesn’t have everyone in the company on it, and it’s about a meeting with a vague title, time to start worrying.
If there is someone new in your department, and yet he or she hasn’t really been introduced around and not officially announced, also time to worry; either they are there to replace you or to figure out who to fire.
Be genuinely friendly to and with the executive assistants and support staff. Not only are they often far more interesting than the executives, when you need something, they always, always know who to check with, how to get it, and are privy to the most juicy and also the most accurate rumors. You will always be a step ahead if you do this.
If a company does not allow working from home, they do not value productivity, but rather the appearance of productivity.
Businesses only have to be as or more efficient than their competitors, not efficient in any absolute sense. In my experience this means that most businesses are woefully inefficient.
Status matters at work. Being a pushover means getting crappy projects likely to fail and to make you look bad. This is a kiss of death. I’ve found that navigating this works best by being very friendly and open in person, but in mass meetings being unrelenting and accurately critical. Your status goes up because you say things others are afraid to say, but people still see you as likable. Note: this probably only works for men.
0 thoughts on “Things I’ve learned in the business world”
I found it in a used book store and bought it on a whim. Supposedly the author has distanced himself from the book saying it’s parody and not meant to be taken seriously, but I’ve never come across a more accurate depiction of office/business life and have direct experience with about half the stuff described.
Are you familiar with this book?
http://www.amazon.com/Power-How-Get-It-Use/dp/0345251954/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1406051756&sr=8-12&keywords=michael+korda
I found it in a used book store and bought it on a whim. Supposedly the author has distanced himself from the book saying it’s parody and not meant to be taken seriously, but I’ve never come across a more accurate depiction of office/business life and have direct experience with about half the stuff described.
I’ve heard of it, but never read it. I will add it to the (already-too-long!) reading list since it sounds like it might be worth it.
Ah, the old “I was just joking” defense when something someone had written or said gets them into trouble!