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How to Become a Ceo : The Rules for Rising to the Top of Any Organisation
In How to Become CEO, consultant Jeffrey Fox has written an insightful book of traits to develop for aspiring CEOs, or for anyone who wants to get ahead in business. Open this book to any page and find a short, provocative piece of brutally honest advice written in a conversational tone. Each of the seventy-five 'rules' focuses on a specific action that should be taken, a trait that needs to be developed, or things to avoid. The words never and always are used frequently. These are smart, no-nonsense business messages that are meant to be revisited in your rise to the top. This is a book of hard-headed idealism that will empower you to develop the qualities that are required of vision, persistence, integrity, and respect for superiors, subordinates, peers, and self. Anyone looking to climb the corporate ladder will be grateful for Fox's direct, pithy advice - the essentials to follow if you want to reach the top.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
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1433 people want to read
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June 23, 2009
This is a nifty little book with a lot of good advice for anyone interested in getting along well and productive in any organization - not just aspiring CEOs. There is a lot of good life advice here, too.
The rest of this review is just summary notes of key point that I want to remember, so it is NOTHING BUT SPOILERS from this point on.
The following is mostly quoted verbatim from the text of the book:
The following is mostly quoted verbatim from the text of
the book:
ALWAYS TAKE THE JOB THAT OFFERS THE MOST MONEY.
Bonuses are on %, you are more visible to upper
management, and the more you are paid the more they
expect of you (a good thing). Higher paid candidate
always gets the promotion.
AVOID STAFF JOBS, SEEK LINE JOBS (jobs that directly
bring in $ for the company.
DON'T EXPECT THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT TO PLAN YOUR CAREER
Your destiny and your career growth are your
responsibility, no one else's. You have to know what you
want. You have to design the plan to get there. You have
to determine what skills and functional expertise are
needed... Your responsibility is to acquire that
experience.
GET AND KEEP CUSTOMERS
The customer is king and the kingmaker (paraphrase)
KEEP PHYSICALLY FIT
DO SOMETHING HARD AND LONELY
This will give you a feeling of toughness, a certain
self-elitism. It will mentally prepare you for the battle
of business. (writing counts here)
NEVER WRITE A NAST MEMO
Never give a company rival a smoking gun. Spend your
energy on positive things.
THINK FOR ONE HOUR EVERY DAY.
KEEP AND USE A SPECIAL IDEA NOTEBOOK.
DON'T HAVE A DRINK WITH THE GANG.
Never get tipsy with anyone connected with your company.
It is a sign of weakness. It shows you are out of
control.
DON'T SMOKE.
Nothing good happens to the people around you when you
smoke cigarettes.
SKIP ALL OFFICE PARTIES.
FRIDAY IS "HOW YA' DOIN'?" DAY
"Find out who you need, no matter how low in the
organization, and let them know you know you need and
appreciate them. Make one good ally in your company every
month.
MAKE ALLIES OF YOUR PEERS' SUBORDINATES.
KNOW EVERYBODY BY THEIR FIRST NAME.
MAKE ONE MORE CALL
(paraphrase) The best always put in a LOT of extra effort
just to be a little bit better - extra batting practice
or writing one more draft.
ARRIVE 45 MINUTES EARLY AND LEAVE 15 MINUTES LATE
Earlier & later than most. That is an extra 31 days per
year.
DON'T TAKE WORK HOME FROM THE OFFICE.
EARN YOUR INVITATION CREDENTIALS.
athere is always an inner circle, and you must acquire
the same credentials as those in it. If you can't, switch
companies, because even if you become CEO you won't last
(paraphrased).
AVOID SUPERIORS WHEN YOU TRAVEL.
They are busy (paraphrased). Work instead.
EAT IN YOUR HOTEL ROOM.
Work. (clearly a theme here - work a LOT.)
WORK, DON'T READ PAPERBACKS ON THE AIRPLANE.
Have a specific work objective for each trip.
KEEP A "PEOPLE FILE".
Mail them all a note every 6 months if you don't see them
(you do this in Outlook, paraphrased).
SEND HANDWRITTEN NOTES.
DON'T GET BUDDY-BUDDY WITH YOUR SUPERIORS (OR YOUR
SUBORDINATES)
He is big on not mixing business with pleasure. He says
to know them really well and be of assistance whenever
possible in work or personal lives, but only be buddies
when you work at separate companies (paraphrased).
DON'T HIDE AN ELEPHANT.
The hiders always get burned, regardless of complicity.
Define the problem and suggest solutions, ask for help
and position yourself as the independent reporter, in
control, as if you were not previously involved.Note how
John F. Kennedy handled his Bay of Pigs debacle.
Preemptively, publicly, on television, "my fault, we blew
it, any questions?" Kennedy emerged unscathed, actually
strengthened. (my addition: Except of course the part
where he was assassinated for it.)
BE VISIBLE: PRACTICE WACADAD.
Words Are Cheap And Deeds Are Dear. Ideas are nothing
without execution.
ALWAYS TAKE VACATIONS.
ALWAYS SAY YES TO A SENIOR EXECUTIVE REQUEST (regardless
of what it is).
No matter what the request, give him more than he wanted,
sooner than expected, and with your own touch of personal
innovation. People who get the job done are the ones who
get the top jobs.
NEVER SURPRISE YOUR BOSS.
MAKE YOUR BOSS LOOK GOOD, AND YOUR BOSS'S BOSS LOOK
BETTER.
You make these people look good by anticipating their
needs and problems and by doing the extra work needed to
get answers. Always keep them informed. Always finish
work ahead of schedule. Always do a bit more. See their
job through their eyes. Help them by doing the project
and making suggestions as if you were in theri place.
Don't let them make a mistake.
NEVER LET A GOOD BOSS MAKE A MISTAKE.
Never imply that it is their fault; use the royal we.
Tell everyone everyone who works for you - inside and
outside the organization - that they must never let you
make a mistake. Be sure your boss knows you have that
rule.
GO TO THE LIBRARY ONE DAY A MONTH.
Get a bunch of admin stuff done all in one day - you will
feel emboldened.
ADD ONE BIG NEW THING TO YOUR LIFE EACH YEAR.
Demonstrate your ability to grow.
DRESS FOR A DANCE.
"Dress for football, you play football. Dress for a
dance, you dance." The same lesson holds for business.
Dress for business, you do business.
OVERINVEST IN PEOPLE.
Pay them more than they are worth. Give the winners
trust, independence, praise, freedom, encouragement.
People are mirrors - they give what they get. Hire people
according to the three I's:
Integrity, I can do it attitude, Intelligence
(paraphrased).
STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN.
Learn to listen. When someone is speaking, stop what you
are doing, look at the person, and listen. Good listeners
are considered great conversationalists. Listening is
equated with intelligence.
BE A FLAG-WAVING COMPANY PATRIOT
Cynicism about one's own corporation is the hallmark of
losers, not future presidents.
FIND AND FILL THE "DATA GAPS"
Identify what you don't know and what your organization
doesn't know.
HOMEWORK, HOMEWORK, HOMEWORK
The homework guy breaks the chapters [that he needs to
study for an exam:] apart, synthesizes the information,
and memorizes eight chapters in seven hours. (As opposed
to just reading them.)
NEVER PANIC...OR LOSE YOUR TEMPER
"Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another
as to remain cool and unruffled under all circumstances."
(Thomas Jefferson)
At a wine making facility the employees came to the CEO
in a panic since the winemaker had quit at a critical
moment. The CEO stayed calm, thought for a moment, then
asked, "What would you do if the winemaker had died
instead of resigned?" The managers said they would make
so-and-so the winemaker. "So be it," said the CEO, and
the new winemaker carried on the winery tradition for 15
more years (paraphrased).
If a colleague makes an unkind comment to you, do not
respond, but it is OK to laugh. Your supporters will be
as offended as you. Your detractors will sense your
control. Anyone else will see you as above the fray. Do
not get angry. Even when anger is justified, observers
are put off by the angry person.
School yourself not to panic. Tell yourself to "stay
calm." If you have ten seconds to make a decision, think
for nine.
LEARN TO SPEAK AND WRITE IN PLAIN ENGLISH.
Business communications must be precise, complete, and
totally comprehensible.
TREAT ALL PEOPLE AS SPECIAL.
People can do a lot if it is appreciated, and they can do
more if they are motivated and thanked.
BE A CREDIT MAKER, NOT A CREDIT TAKER
Give everybody 100% credit for the work they do. If you
have 5 people reporting to you and they each get 100%
credit for the work they do, then you get 500% - that's
the way it works. Give proper credit and you will become
known as a credit maker, somebody who gets things done, a
person to work for. Your people will work very hard
because they know they will be fairly recognized.
GIVE INFORMAL SURPRISE BONUSES.
This is that irregular reinforcement theory that gets
people to work hard since they never know when they might
just get a bonus.
PLEASE, BE POLITE WITH EVERYONE.
No smoking, cursing or pulling rand. Treat everyone's
place and stuff as if they are your own (paraphrased).
Always be on time, and don't waste others' time. Always
say please and thank-you.
PEOPLE WHO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR JOBS WILL
CONTRIBUTE AT HIGH LEVELS.
So make people feel good about themselves, and feel good
about yourself (I summarized here).
THE GLORY AND THE GLAMOUR COME AFTER THE GRUNTWORK.
If you begrudge the gruntwork, you will not get the
glory.
KEEP TRYING THINGS, NEW THINGS. PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY.
(This is completely paraphrased, and may not be what he
meant.)
HASTE MAKES WASTE.
Learn the difference between revocable and irrevocable
decisions, and don't screw up the irrevocable ones by
making hasty decisions.
POUR THE COALS TO A GOOD THING.
Once something is working, don't change anything - just
pour the coals to it, and get as much success out of the
system as you can until it doesn't work anymore (summary
paraphrased).
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO THOUGHT OF AN IDEA; WHAT MATTERS IS
WHO IMPLEMENTS IT.
Creative people enhance their probability of getting good
ideas by listening to the ideas of others. If they listen
to 100 people, they multiply their creative capacity 100
times.
STAY OUT OF OFFICE POLITICS
Don't waste your time. Spend your time creating and
accomplishing. Be the last to know. Don't get sucked in.
Don't let people tell you something if they say it's
confidential. Don't ask, don't answer, don't agree. Don't
say anything bad about anyone. Don't gossip. Say, "I
don't know."
Just work.
LOOK SHARP AND BE SHARP
EMULATE, STUDY, AND CHERISH THE GREAT BOSS
DON'T GO OVER BUDGET
Senior managers promote people who deliver what is
expected. Tight budgets promote creativity, ingenuity,
and inventiveness. Look upon a tight budget as a
challenge. Find new and less expensive ways of doing
things. The corporation will be improved. You will be
appreciated.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE AN OPPONENT
Assume nothing. Never underestimate an opponent's
intelligence, stamina, or skill, their capacity for good
or evil, duplicity dishonesty or cunning. If you
overestimate an opponent you are merely pleasantly
surprised, but if you underestimate them it could mean
disaster (paraphrase).
ASSASSINATE THE CHARACTER ASSASSIN WITH A SINGLE PHRASE
When conversation with a colleague turns to the character
assassin, if you are the target, simply say, "Of course,
with Mr. X, no one is spared." Your colleague, knowing
Mr. X's style, will assume he, too, has been a recent
target. Assassin assassinated.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE "SHOULDN'T HAVE CLUB"
This is the winners' circle. Every time you think, "I
shouldn't have done that," there will be ten other times
when the results will prove you should have. No guts, no
glory.
THE CONCEPT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT, BUT THE EXECUTION
OF IT DOES
RECORD AND COLLECT YOUR MISTAKES WITH CARE AND PRIDE
Do the after-action reviews. Acknowledging mistakes is a
sign of security and confidence. Mistakes are the exhaust
of active, doing people.
LIVE FOR TODAY; PLAN FOR TOMORROW; FORGET ABOUT YESTERDAY
HAVE FUN, LAUGH
Business is tough enough not to have fun. If your job
isn't fun, you have to change jobs or find ways to add
some fun. The manager who is able to maintain a sense of
humor and to lighten the mental load of his colleagues
will always have a motivated, happy team.
TREAT YOUR FAMILY AS YOUR NUMBER ONE CLIENT
When your family members speak to you, put down the
newspaper or book or mute the tv, and turn and look at
them while they are speaking.
NO GOALS, NO GLORY
You must have them. Get extremely detailed, and put
something on you daily list each day that will bring you
closer to your long-term goals (paraphrased).
ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR SUBORDINATES' SPOUSES
The spouse is an important potential ally for the
corporation, or frightfully, a potentially virulent
enemy.
SEE THE JOB THROUGH THE SALESPEOPLE'S EYES
Selling is the key to the enterprise. Spend time in the
field. Sell if you can. Learn what goes on out there.
Work the trenches, and the trenches will work for you.
BE A VERY TOUGH "HELLER SELLER"
You have to get the order. You must becoem a very tough,
get-the-order salesperson. They know that the numbers are
in their favor. They know that 25% of all sales closes
are made simply by asking for the order, 75% of all sales
closes are made on the 4th or subsequent call, and that
90% of all salespeople never ask for the order. They know
that 95% of all sales interviews are really conversation
or entertainment, not selling. They also know, therefore,
that there is little competition for the persistent and
tenacious salesperson.They know that MAKING MORE CALLS
AND ASKING FOR THE ORDER IS THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS.
DON'T BE AN EMPIRE BUILDER
It is the manager who gets the job done with less - less
people and money - who is most needed by the corporation.
Never complain that you are expected to do more than your
budget enables. Don't use the lack of resources as an
excuse. Promotions and power go to producers, not people
administrators.
PUSH PRODUCTS, NOT PAPER
Don't get trapped doing ANYTHING that does not directly
improve your company, period.
TO TEACH IS TO LEARN AND TO LEAD
Teaching will improve your ability to articulate why your
responsibility is critical to the company.
DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED BY THE IDEA KILLERS
Don't give in. Don't let up. Idea people build
businesses. Builders get to the top. Consider the idea
killers as a positive, as an incentive. Treat their
negativism as a reason to do more homework. Work harder
on the things necessary to make your idea work.
The rest of this review is just summary notes of key point that I want to remember, so it is NOTHING BUT SPOILERS from this point on.
The following is mostly quoted verbatim from the text of the book:
The following is mostly quoted verbatim from the text of
the book:
ALWAYS TAKE THE JOB THAT OFFERS THE MOST MONEY.
Bonuses are on %, you are more visible to upper
management, and the more you are paid the more they
expect of you (a good thing). Higher paid candidate
always gets the promotion.
AVOID STAFF JOBS, SEEK LINE JOBS (jobs that directly
bring in $ for the company.
DON'T EXPECT THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT TO PLAN YOUR CAREER
Your destiny and your career growth are your
responsibility, no one else's. You have to know what you
want. You have to design the plan to get there. You have
to determine what skills and functional expertise are
needed... Your responsibility is to acquire that
experience.
GET AND KEEP CUSTOMERS
The customer is king and the kingmaker (paraphrase)
KEEP PHYSICALLY FIT
DO SOMETHING HARD AND LONELY
This will give you a feeling of toughness, a certain
self-elitism. It will mentally prepare you for the battle
of business. (writing counts here)
NEVER WRITE A NAST MEMO
Never give a company rival a smoking gun. Spend your
energy on positive things.
THINK FOR ONE HOUR EVERY DAY.
KEEP AND USE A SPECIAL IDEA NOTEBOOK.
DON'T HAVE A DRINK WITH THE GANG.
Never get tipsy with anyone connected with your company.
It is a sign of weakness. It shows you are out of
control.
DON'T SMOKE.
Nothing good happens to the people around you when you
smoke cigarettes.
SKIP ALL OFFICE PARTIES.
FRIDAY IS "HOW YA' DOIN'?" DAY
"Find out who you need, no matter how low in the
organization, and let them know you know you need and
appreciate them. Make one good ally in your company every
month.
MAKE ALLIES OF YOUR PEERS' SUBORDINATES.
KNOW EVERYBODY BY THEIR FIRST NAME.
MAKE ONE MORE CALL
(paraphrase) The best always put in a LOT of extra effort
just to be a little bit better - extra batting practice
or writing one more draft.
ARRIVE 45 MINUTES EARLY AND LEAVE 15 MINUTES LATE
Earlier & later than most. That is an extra 31 days per
year.
DON'T TAKE WORK HOME FROM THE OFFICE.
EARN YOUR INVITATION CREDENTIALS.
athere is always an inner circle, and you must acquire
the same credentials as those in it. If you can't, switch
companies, because even if you become CEO you won't last
(paraphrased).
AVOID SUPERIORS WHEN YOU TRAVEL.
They are busy (paraphrased). Work instead.
EAT IN YOUR HOTEL ROOM.
Work. (clearly a theme here - work a LOT.)
WORK, DON'T READ PAPERBACKS ON THE AIRPLANE.
Have a specific work objective for each trip.
KEEP A "PEOPLE FILE".
Mail them all a note every 6 months if you don't see them
(you do this in Outlook, paraphrased).
SEND HANDWRITTEN NOTES.
DON'T GET BUDDY-BUDDY WITH YOUR SUPERIORS (OR YOUR
SUBORDINATES)
He is big on not mixing business with pleasure. He says
to know them really well and be of assistance whenever
possible in work or personal lives, but only be buddies
when you work at separate companies (paraphrased).
DON'T HIDE AN ELEPHANT.
The hiders always get burned, regardless of complicity.
Define the problem and suggest solutions, ask for help
and position yourself as the independent reporter, in
control, as if you were not previously involved.Note how
John F. Kennedy handled his Bay of Pigs debacle.
Preemptively, publicly, on television, "my fault, we blew
it, any questions?" Kennedy emerged unscathed, actually
strengthened. (my addition: Except of course the part
where he was assassinated for it.)
BE VISIBLE: PRACTICE WACADAD.
Words Are Cheap And Deeds Are Dear. Ideas are nothing
without execution.
ALWAYS TAKE VACATIONS.
ALWAYS SAY YES TO A SENIOR EXECUTIVE REQUEST (regardless
of what it is).
No matter what the request, give him more than he wanted,
sooner than expected, and with your own touch of personal
innovation. People who get the job done are the ones who
get the top jobs.
NEVER SURPRISE YOUR BOSS.
MAKE YOUR BOSS LOOK GOOD, AND YOUR BOSS'S BOSS LOOK
BETTER.
You make these people look good by anticipating their
needs and problems and by doing the extra work needed to
get answers. Always keep them informed. Always finish
work ahead of schedule. Always do a bit more. See their
job through their eyes. Help them by doing the project
and making suggestions as if you were in theri place.
Don't let them make a mistake.
NEVER LET A GOOD BOSS MAKE A MISTAKE.
Never imply that it is their fault; use the royal we.
Tell everyone everyone who works for you - inside and
outside the organization - that they must never let you
make a mistake. Be sure your boss knows you have that
rule.
GO TO THE LIBRARY ONE DAY A MONTH.
Get a bunch of admin stuff done all in one day - you will
feel emboldened.
ADD ONE BIG NEW THING TO YOUR LIFE EACH YEAR.
Demonstrate your ability to grow.
DRESS FOR A DANCE.
"Dress for football, you play football. Dress for a
dance, you dance." The same lesson holds for business.
Dress for business, you do business.
OVERINVEST IN PEOPLE.
Pay them more than they are worth. Give the winners
trust, independence, praise, freedom, encouragement.
People are mirrors - they give what they get. Hire people
according to the three I's:
Integrity, I can do it attitude, Intelligence
(paraphrased).
STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN.
Learn to listen. When someone is speaking, stop what you
are doing, look at the person, and listen. Good listeners
are considered great conversationalists. Listening is
equated with intelligence.
BE A FLAG-WAVING COMPANY PATRIOT
Cynicism about one's own corporation is the hallmark of
losers, not future presidents.
FIND AND FILL THE "DATA GAPS"
Identify what you don't know and what your organization
doesn't know.
HOMEWORK, HOMEWORK, HOMEWORK
The homework guy breaks the chapters [that he needs to
study for an exam:] apart, synthesizes the information,
and memorizes eight chapters in seven hours. (As opposed
to just reading them.)
NEVER PANIC...OR LOSE YOUR TEMPER
"Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another
as to remain cool and unruffled under all circumstances."
(Thomas Jefferson)
At a wine making facility the employees came to the CEO
in a panic since the winemaker had quit at a critical
moment. The CEO stayed calm, thought for a moment, then
asked, "What would you do if the winemaker had died
instead of resigned?" The managers said they would make
so-and-so the winemaker. "So be it," said the CEO, and
the new winemaker carried on the winery tradition for 15
more years (paraphrased).
If a colleague makes an unkind comment to you, do not
respond, but it is OK to laugh. Your supporters will be
as offended as you. Your detractors will sense your
control. Anyone else will see you as above the fray. Do
not get angry. Even when anger is justified, observers
are put off by the angry person.
School yourself not to panic. Tell yourself to "stay
calm." If you have ten seconds to make a decision, think
for nine.
LEARN TO SPEAK AND WRITE IN PLAIN ENGLISH.
Business communications must be precise, complete, and
totally comprehensible.
TREAT ALL PEOPLE AS SPECIAL.
People can do a lot if it is appreciated, and they can do
more if they are motivated and thanked.
BE A CREDIT MAKER, NOT A CREDIT TAKER
Give everybody 100% credit for the work they do. If you
have 5 people reporting to you and they each get 100%
credit for the work they do, then you get 500% - that's
the way it works. Give proper credit and you will become
known as a credit maker, somebody who gets things done, a
person to work for. Your people will work very hard
because they know they will be fairly recognized.
GIVE INFORMAL SURPRISE BONUSES.
This is that irregular reinforcement theory that gets
people to work hard since they never know when they might
just get a bonus.
PLEASE, BE POLITE WITH EVERYONE.
No smoking, cursing or pulling rand. Treat everyone's
place and stuff as if they are your own (paraphrased).
Always be on time, and don't waste others' time. Always
say please and thank-you.
PEOPLE WHO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR JOBS WILL
CONTRIBUTE AT HIGH LEVELS.
So make people feel good about themselves, and feel good
about yourself (I summarized here).
THE GLORY AND THE GLAMOUR COME AFTER THE GRUNTWORK.
If you begrudge the gruntwork, you will not get the
glory.
KEEP TRYING THINGS, NEW THINGS. PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY.
(This is completely paraphrased, and may not be what he
meant.)
HASTE MAKES WASTE.
Learn the difference between revocable and irrevocable
decisions, and don't screw up the irrevocable ones by
making hasty decisions.
POUR THE COALS TO A GOOD THING.
Once something is working, don't change anything - just
pour the coals to it, and get as much success out of the
system as you can until it doesn't work anymore (summary
paraphrased).
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO THOUGHT OF AN IDEA; WHAT MATTERS IS
WHO IMPLEMENTS IT.
Creative people enhance their probability of getting good
ideas by listening to the ideas of others. If they listen
to 100 people, they multiply their creative capacity 100
times.
STAY OUT OF OFFICE POLITICS
Don't waste your time. Spend your time creating and
accomplishing. Be the last to know. Don't get sucked in.
Don't let people tell you something if they say it's
confidential. Don't ask, don't answer, don't agree. Don't
say anything bad about anyone. Don't gossip. Say, "I
don't know."
Just work.
LOOK SHARP AND BE SHARP
EMULATE, STUDY, AND CHERISH THE GREAT BOSS
DON'T GO OVER BUDGET
Senior managers promote people who deliver what is
expected. Tight budgets promote creativity, ingenuity,
and inventiveness. Look upon a tight budget as a
challenge. Find new and less expensive ways of doing
things. The corporation will be improved. You will be
appreciated.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE AN OPPONENT
Assume nothing. Never underestimate an opponent's
intelligence, stamina, or skill, their capacity for good
or evil, duplicity dishonesty or cunning. If you
overestimate an opponent you are merely pleasantly
surprised, but if you underestimate them it could mean
disaster (paraphrase).
ASSASSINATE THE CHARACTER ASSASSIN WITH A SINGLE PHRASE
When conversation with a colleague turns to the character
assassin, if you are the target, simply say, "Of course,
with Mr. X, no one is spared." Your colleague, knowing
Mr. X's style, will assume he, too, has been a recent
target. Assassin assassinated.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE "SHOULDN'T HAVE CLUB"
This is the winners' circle. Every time you think, "I
shouldn't have done that," there will be ten other times
when the results will prove you should have. No guts, no
glory.
THE CONCEPT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT, BUT THE EXECUTION
OF IT DOES
RECORD AND COLLECT YOUR MISTAKES WITH CARE AND PRIDE
Do the after-action reviews. Acknowledging mistakes is a
sign of security and confidence. Mistakes are the exhaust
of active, doing people.
LIVE FOR TODAY; PLAN FOR TOMORROW; FORGET ABOUT YESTERDAY
HAVE FUN, LAUGH
Business is tough enough not to have fun. If your job
isn't fun, you have to change jobs or find ways to add
some fun. The manager who is able to maintain a sense of
humor and to lighten the mental load of his colleagues
will always have a motivated, happy team.
TREAT YOUR FAMILY AS YOUR NUMBER ONE CLIENT
When your family members speak to you, put down the
newspaper or book or mute the tv, and turn and look at
them while they are speaking.
NO GOALS, NO GLORY
You must have them. Get extremely detailed, and put
something on you daily list each day that will bring you
closer to your long-term goals (paraphrased).
ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR SUBORDINATES' SPOUSES
The spouse is an important potential ally for the
corporation, or frightfully, a potentially virulent
enemy.
SEE THE JOB THROUGH THE SALESPEOPLE'S EYES
Selling is the key to the enterprise. Spend time in the
field. Sell if you can. Learn what goes on out there.
Work the trenches, and the trenches will work for you.
BE A VERY TOUGH "HELLER SELLER"
You have to get the order. You must becoem a very tough,
get-the-order salesperson. They know that the numbers are
in their favor. They know that 25% of all sales closes
are made simply by asking for the order, 75% of all sales
closes are made on the 4th or subsequent call, and that
90% of all salespeople never ask for the order. They know
that 95% of all sales interviews are really conversation
or entertainment, not selling. They also know, therefore,
that there is little competition for the persistent and
tenacious salesperson.They know that MAKING MORE CALLS
AND ASKING FOR THE ORDER IS THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS.
DON'T BE AN EMPIRE BUILDER
It is the manager who gets the job done with less - less
people and money - who is most needed by the corporation.
Never complain that you are expected to do more than your
budget enables. Don't use the lack of resources as an
excuse. Promotions and power go to producers, not people
administrators.
PUSH PRODUCTS, NOT PAPER
Don't get trapped doing ANYTHING that does not directly
improve your company, period.
TO TEACH IS TO LEARN AND TO LEAD
Teaching will improve your ability to articulate why your
responsibility is critical to the company.
DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED BY THE IDEA KILLERS
Don't give in. Don't let up. Idea people build
businesses. Builders get to the top. Consider the idea
killers as a positive, as an incentive. Treat their
negativism as a reason to do more homework. Work harder
on the things necessary to make your idea work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2009
One of those "airport" books that I read sometime in 2000-2004. The book is concise, most tips are practical but some are just a bit far off like: 1) While on a business trip, eat breakfast in the hotel room instead of going to the breakfast buffet and (2) Don't attend Christmas parties.
November 27, 2022
(The English review is placed beneath the Russian one)
Разумеется, книга не сделает из читателя CEO. Цель книги всё же другая, а именно дать советы которые могут поспособствовать, с точки зрения автора, в продвижении по корпоративной лестнице. Что означает, что книга полна советов не как стать руководителем, а как лучше повысить свои шансы на карьерное повышение. Это не значит, что выполняя все предписанные автором советы, читатель получит 100% гарантию успеха, ибо очень многое зависит от самой работы, от окружающих людей, коллег, руководителя, экономической ситуации в стране и пр. Как не способна книга Карнеги превратить человека в успешного и как никакая другая похожая книга неспособна гарантировать успех, так и эта книга, является лишь сборником здравых советов, которые, при определённых обстоятельствах, могут помочь в продвижении по карьерной лестнице. Но «может», не значит «гарантирует».
Думаю, многие англоязычные читатели знакомы или даже читали книгу «Неписанные законы бизнеса» (The Unwritten Laws of Business), первое издание которой вышло примерно тогда же, когда вышла знаменитая книга Карнеги «Как завоевывать друзей и оказывать влияние на людей» (How to Win Friends and Influence People). Книга «Неписанные законы бизнеса», которая в англоязычном мире довольно известная, абсолютно неизвестная в России. Это тот редкий случай, когда в одной стране о книге знают очень многие, а в другой – почти никто. Так вот, книга Джеффри Дж. Фокс является подражанием той знаменитой книги написанной в начале-середине XX века, с той лишь разницей, что у Фокса советы носят более простой и практичный характер. Я читал книгу «Неписанные законы бизнеса» и эта книга меня не впечатлила от слова совсем. Да, в то время когда книга только вышла, она могла стать бестселлером, но сейчас она воспринимается как очень слабый сборник общих советов менеджеру. Однако книга Джеффри Дж. Фокс мне понравилась в разы больше. Более того, книга Джеффри Дж. Фокс адресована всем людям, независимо от занимаемой ими позиции и в какой угодно компании. Джеффри Дж. Фокс пишет очень и очень короткие заметки, по объёму чуть больше твиттов, на довольно разнообразные темы, начиная от совета заниматься фитнесом, вести здоровый образ жизни, не говорить коллегам обидные слова в пылу эмоций, приходить на работу на 40 минут раньше, а уходить на 10 минут позже, не брать дополнительную работу домой (ибо это может быть расценено как недостаточная компетентность), не пить алкоголь на корпоративных вечеринках, да и вообще стараться на них не появляться (нет ничего хуже для карьеры, чем быть замеченным боссом на такой вечеринке поддатым), не курить (табак показывает, что человек имеет зависимость, а значит, на него нельзя положиться), не участвовать в офисном политиканстве и так далее. Автор крайне лаконичен при написании своих советов и это приятно, ибо на такую тему можно было написать и 300 страничную книгу, но наполненную скучными советами.
Несмотря на то, что может показаться, что автор пишет разумные и самоочевидные вещи, я всё же увидел в этой книге больше позитива. Хотя я сам не люблю, когда автор начинает писать о самоочевидных вещах, в этой книге всё получилось как-то идеально. Возможно, это благодаря коротким советам или возможно это тот случай, когда хочется чтобы кто-то напомнил тебе о таких самоочевидных вещах, как не напиваться на корпоративных вечеринках, ибо корпоративная вечеринка имеет мало общего со словом «вечеринка», но очень многое со словом «корпоративная». В общем, эта та книга, которая станет лучшим подарком человеку, который только начинает свой путь по корпоративной иерархии.
Of course, the book will not make the reader a CEO. The purpose of the book, however, is different, namely to give advice that can help, from the author's point of view, to move up the corporate ladder, which means that the book is full of advice, not how to become a CEO, but how to improve one's chances for career advancement. This does not mean that by following all the advice prescribed by the author, the reader will get a 100% guarantee of success, because a lot depends on the work itself, on the people around, on the colleagues, on the supervisor, on the economic situation in the country, etc. Just as Carnegie's book cannot make a person successful, and just as no other similar book can guarantee success, so this book is merely a collection of sound advice that, under certain circumstances, may help to advance one's career. But "may" does not mean "guarantees."
I think many English-speaking readers are familiar with or have even read the book "The Unwritten Laws of Business," the first edition of which came out about the same time as Carnegie's famous book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." The book "The Unwritten Laws of Business," which in the English-speaking world is quite famous, is completely unknown in Russia. It is that rare case where in one country a lot of people know about a book while in another almost nobody does. So, Jeffrey J. Fox's book is an imitation of that famous book written in the early to mid-20th century, the only difference being that Fox's advice is more simple and more practical. I have read the book "The Unwritten Laws of Business," and I was not impressed with it at all. Yes, at the time the book first came out, it could have been a bestseller, but now it is perceived as a very weak collection of general managerial advice. However, I liked Jeffrey J. Fox's book much more. Moreover, Jeffrey J. Fox's book is addressed to all people, regardless of their position and in any company. Jeffrey J. Fox writes very, very short notes, little more than tweets, on quite a variety of topics, ranging from advice on fitness and healthy living, not to saying offensive words to colleagues in the heat of emotion, to coming to work 40 minutes earlier and leave 10 minutes later, not to take extra work home (because this can be seen as a lack of competence), not to drink alcohol at corporate parties, and in general try not to appear at them (nothing worse for the career than to be seen boss at such a party drunk), not to smoke (smoking shows that a person has a problem, and therefore can not be relied on), not to participate in the office politicking and so on. The author is concise when writing his advice, and it's nice because on such a topic one could write a 300-page book filled with boring advice.
Although it may seem like the author writes sensible and self-evident things, I still saw more positivity in this book. Although I don't like when an author starts writing about self-evident things, in this book, it worked out perfectly. Maybe it's the short tips, or maybe, it's the case when you want someone to remind you of such self-evident things as not getting drunk at corporate parties because a corporate party has little to do with the word "party," but a lot to do with the word "corporate." All in all, this is the kind of book that would make the best gift for someone who is just beginning his or her journey through the corporate hierarchy.
Разумеется, книга не сделает из читателя CEO. Цель книги всё же другая, а именно дать советы которые могут поспособствовать, с точки зрения автора, в продвижении по корпоративной лестнице. Что означает, что книга полна советов не как стать руководителем, а как лучше повысить свои шансы на карьерное повышение. Это не значит, что выполняя все предписанные автором советы, читатель получит 100% гарантию успеха, ибо очень многое зависит от самой работы, от окружающих людей, коллег, руководителя, экономической ситуации в стране и пр. Как не способна книга Карнеги превратить человека в успешного и как никакая другая похожая книга неспособна гарантировать успех, так и эта книга, является лишь сборником здравых советов, которые, при определённых обстоятельствах, могут помочь в продвижении по карьерной лестнице. Но «может», не значит «гарантирует».
Думаю, многие англоязычные читатели знакомы или даже читали книгу «Неписанные законы бизнеса» (The Unwritten Laws of Business), первое издание которой вышло примерно тогда же, когда вышла знаменитая книга Карнеги «Как завоевывать друзей и оказывать влияние на людей» (How to Win Friends and Influence People). Книга «Неписанные законы бизнеса», которая в англоязычном мире довольно известная, абсолютно неизвестная в России. Это тот редкий случай, когда в одной стране о книге знают очень многие, а в другой – почти никто. Так вот, книга Джеффри Дж. Фокс является подражанием той знаменитой книги написанной в начале-середине XX века, с той лишь разницей, что у Фокса советы носят более простой и практичный характер. Я читал книгу «Неписанные законы бизнеса» и эта книга меня не впечатлила от слова совсем. Да, в то время когда книга только вышла, она могла стать бестселлером, но сейчас она воспринимается как очень слабый сборник общих советов менеджеру. Однако книга Джеффри Дж. Фокс мне понравилась в разы больше. Более того, книга Джеффри Дж. Фокс адресована всем людям, независимо от занимаемой ими позиции и в какой угодно компании. Джеффри Дж. Фокс пишет очень и очень короткие заметки, по объёму чуть больше твиттов, на довольно разнообразные темы, начиная от совета заниматься фитнесом, вести здоровый образ жизни, не говорить коллегам обидные слова в пылу эмоций, приходить на работу на 40 минут раньше, а уходить на 10 минут позже, не брать дополнительную работу домой (ибо это может быть расценено как недостаточная компетентность), не пить алкоголь на корпоративных вечеринках, да и вообще стараться на них не появляться (нет ничего хуже для карьеры, чем быть замеченным боссом на такой вечеринке поддатым), не курить (табак показывает, что человек имеет зависимость, а значит, на него нельзя положиться), не участвовать в офисном политиканстве и так далее. Автор крайне лаконичен при написании своих советов и это приятно, ибо на такую тему можно было написать и 300 страничную книгу, но наполненную скучными советами.
Несмотря на то, что может показаться, что автор пишет разумные и самоочевидные вещи, я всё же увидел в этой книге больше позитива. Хотя я сам не люблю, когда автор начинает писать о самоочевидных вещах, в этой книге всё получилось как-то идеально. Возможно, это благодаря коротким советам или возможно это тот случай, когда хочется чтобы кто-то напомнил тебе о таких самоочевидных вещах, как не напиваться на корпоративных вечеринках, ибо корпоративная вечеринка имеет мало общего со словом «вечеринка», но очень многое со словом «корпоративная». В общем, эта та книга, которая станет лучшим подарком человеку, который только начинает свой путь по корпоративной иерархии.
Of course, the book will not make the reader a CEO. The purpose of the book, however, is different, namely to give advice that can help, from the author's point of view, to move up the corporate ladder, which means that the book is full of advice, not how to become a CEO, but how to improve one's chances for career advancement. This does not mean that by following all the advice prescribed by the author, the reader will get a 100% guarantee of success, because a lot depends on the work itself, on the people around, on the colleagues, on the supervisor, on the economic situation in the country, etc. Just as Carnegie's book cannot make a person successful, and just as no other similar book can guarantee success, so this book is merely a collection of sound advice that, under certain circumstances, may help to advance one's career. But "may" does not mean "guarantees."
I think many English-speaking readers are familiar with or have even read the book "The Unwritten Laws of Business," the first edition of which came out about the same time as Carnegie's famous book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." The book "The Unwritten Laws of Business," which in the English-speaking world is quite famous, is completely unknown in Russia. It is that rare case where in one country a lot of people know about a book while in another almost nobody does. So, Jeffrey J. Fox's book is an imitation of that famous book written in the early to mid-20th century, the only difference being that Fox's advice is more simple and more practical. I have read the book "The Unwritten Laws of Business," and I was not impressed with it at all. Yes, at the time the book first came out, it could have been a bestseller, but now it is perceived as a very weak collection of general managerial advice. However, I liked Jeffrey J. Fox's book much more. Moreover, Jeffrey J. Fox's book is addressed to all people, regardless of their position and in any company. Jeffrey J. Fox writes very, very short notes, little more than tweets, on quite a variety of topics, ranging from advice on fitness and healthy living, not to saying offensive words to colleagues in the heat of emotion, to coming to work 40 minutes earlier and leave 10 minutes later, not to take extra work home (because this can be seen as a lack of competence), not to drink alcohol at corporate parties, and in general try not to appear at them (nothing worse for the career than to be seen boss at such a party drunk), not to smoke (smoking shows that a person has a problem, and therefore can not be relied on), not to participate in the office politicking and so on. The author is concise when writing his advice, and it's nice because on such a topic one could write a 300-page book filled with boring advice.
Although it may seem like the author writes sensible and self-evident things, I still saw more positivity in this book. Although I don't like when an author starts writing about self-evident things, in this book, it worked out perfectly. Maybe it's the short tips, or maybe, it's the case when you want someone to remind you of such self-evident things as not getting drunk at corporate parties because a corporate party has little to do with the word "party," but a lot to do with the word "corporate." All in all, this is the kind of book that would make the best gift for someone who is just beginning his or her journey through the corporate hierarchy.
October 12, 2021
Very inspiring, I believe in what was written in this book .
July 25, 2014
This book is so good (and short) I've read it at least three times and bought copies for my children. It will benefit anyone who wants to succeed in their chosen profession whether a CEO or not.
November 22, 2019
It's will help who ever need to improve their career position, it's simple, direct in to the point.
May 10, 2015
Данную книгу любой начальник может смело рекомендовать своему подчинённому и пусть вас не смущает название, так как она рассчитана на любой род деятельности в бизнесе, государственных и некоммерческих организациях. А те у кого пока ещё нет подчинённых могут в скором времени обзавестись ими предварительно прочитав данную книгу и последовав её ценным советам.
Но сначала прочитайте сами, ибо возможен вариант стать подчинённым того, кому вы порекомендуете данную книгу. А стоит ли? Стоит! Так как у вашей команде появится сильный игрок, который поможет вам подниматься выше чем вы находитесь, а уберечься от упомянутого выше сценария поможет ваше же следование тем же принципам из этой книги.
Но сначала прочитайте сами, ибо возможен вариант стать подчинённым того, кому вы порекомендуете данную книгу. А стоит ли? Стоит! Так как у вашей команде появится сильный игрок, который поможет вам подниматься выше чем вы находитесь, а уберечься от упомянутого выше сценария поможет ваше же следование тем же принципам из этой книги.
February 27, 2018
Simple straight to the point advices that is excellent for reference at different times and stages in your career. Very easy read...
February 12, 2021
Un libro perfectamente prescindible que se lee en un par de horas que podrían haberse dedicado a leer un buen libro.
April 13, 2025
I picked up this book on a bit of a lark; it was lying around the startup studio that I work out of, and I figured it would probably be mostly horseshit that didn't hold up over the last 25 years since it was written. And boy was I right. Fox is a quintessential, cookie-cutter HBS MBA type whose approach to leadership (as articulated in this book) is hilariously out-of-touch. Don't attend company functions unless you are forced to? Don't socialize with your colleagues because they're not your "friends"? Keep work and home separate and don't take work home? Optimize your business trips for working, and take meals in your hotel room so you can maximize your work time without interacting with other people? I've just never seen CEOs get selected because they were the least social animals in the company; they are among the most social, which is why so many CEOs come from sales. We want our leaders to be people, not automatons, and I think even the most cynical boards of directors would recognize that employees are human and want to work for actual humans. (Or at least someone who is the simulacrum of a social human.)
Despite the reams of advice that I strongly disagree with (some of it truly comical, like skipping lunch so you can do more work or play squash), I might be willing to forgive Fox a little bit if he'd grounded the book in an explicit thesis for why someone might want to become CEO in the first place. That way, the reader could examine Fox's advice through the level of alignment with their reasons for wanting to become CEO. Without such an underlying thesis, Fox just assumes everyone wants to become CEO for the power and glory, and recommends tactics for optimizing one's life towards work and devotion to the company.
Eventually, though, Fox's ruthless Randian approach hits a limit, and he starts offering contradictory advice (don't take work home; prioritize your family life, etc.) I would have preferred if he'd just stuck with being a hard-ass, because it's closer to the truth. Like it or not, I've never seen a modern CEO not working on the weekend or sacrificing family time for work. If you aren't committed to doing that, don't become a CEO. In fact, don't have children, so you can spend more time working. Again, I've never seen or heard of a person that became or stayed CEO because they either implicitly or explicitly deprioritized everything that wasn't optimized for the role of being CEO. If you are not that kind of person, don't aim your career towards the office of the CEO.
Fox is right about one thing, however: the easiest way to become CEO is to start a company (as CEO) and then grow it so that it becomes massively successful, rather than waiting around for someone to anoint you CEO in an established firm. If you do that, then perhaps you have a better chance of defining the CEO role in a more flexible way. (Depending on how your cap table is structured.) Otherwise, CEO is still a hired gun role, you serve at the whim of the board of directors, and you are probably going to spend every waking minute thinking about work and managing your company.
Despite the reams of advice that I strongly disagree with (some of it truly comical, like skipping lunch so you can do more work or play squash), I might be willing to forgive Fox a little bit if he'd grounded the book in an explicit thesis for why someone might want to become CEO in the first place. That way, the reader could examine Fox's advice through the level of alignment with their reasons for wanting to become CEO. Without such an underlying thesis, Fox just assumes everyone wants to become CEO for the power and glory, and recommends tactics for optimizing one's life towards work and devotion to the company.
Eventually, though, Fox's ruthless Randian approach hits a limit, and he starts offering contradictory advice (don't take work home; prioritize your family life, etc.) I would have preferred if he'd just stuck with being a hard-ass, because it's closer to the truth. Like it or not, I've never seen a modern CEO not working on the weekend or sacrificing family time for work. If you aren't committed to doing that, don't become a CEO. In fact, don't have children, so you can spend more time working. Again, I've never seen or heard of a person that became or stayed CEO because they either implicitly or explicitly deprioritized everything that wasn't optimized for the role of being CEO. If you are not that kind of person, don't aim your career towards the office of the CEO.
Fox is right about one thing, however: the easiest way to become CEO is to start a company (as CEO) and then grow it so that it becomes massively successful, rather than waiting around for someone to anoint you CEO in an established firm. If you do that, then perhaps you have a better chance of defining the CEO role in a more flexible way. (Depending on how your cap table is structured.) Otherwise, CEO is still a hired gun role, you serve at the whim of the board of directors, and you are probably going to spend every waking minute thinking about work and managing your company.
May 15, 2015
For those of you who have an Uncle or Grandfather who constantly offers unsolicited, blunt advice about succeeding in Corporate America, you will love How to Become CEO by Jeffery Fox. This book is a quick read and contains a ton of advice I would consider common knowledge for any business professional. Although easy and somewhat predictable, it's still a good read. Don't let the two page chapters fool you. Jeffery doesn't beat around the bush with any of the topics and although I found it quite annoying at times, he somehow still connected with me on a personal level. Soon after reading, I found a notebook and started revising the steps to achieve my personal and professional goals. I see this being that book on your shelf that you refer to maybe once or twice a year because you want to recall a quote you read.
December 24, 2015
This book helped me resolve an internal conflict that I have been struggling with. I started an MBA program this fall. I want to do well in my classes, but I couldn't think of a legitimate reason to want good grades given that I do not plan on using this degree to get a job. I'm already employed and I already have a graduate degree. Why should I worry about my grades? One theme from this little book is that you need to know how to use your time well. Several of the tips are about using time to get work done to show that you can handle the burdens of being a senior executive. If I can do well in my classes given that I work full time, that will show that I can handle a heavy work load. That insight helps me get through the down times when I would rather not be studying.
September 25, 2018
Very concise and straight forward suggestions for improving your productivity in the work place and strengthening your career prospects. At times perhaps too concise as further examples to support Fox's views would have been appreciated but this might have resulted in the 'clean and clear' messages being lost. Overall I would recommend as a quick and easy read from a tried and tested book. Chances are even if you only take one or two suggestions away from it you will find it a worthwhile investment.
May 1, 2020
The book “How To Become Ceo” by Jefferey J. Fox is a novel that gives various tips on how one can become the ceo of a company. Each chapter provides a different tip and explains it in detail. I found this book, because a few weeks ago my dad gave me multiple books that he said I should read going into college to prepare me for when I have a job and work for a company and this was one of them. It was the first one that I read because I found it the most interesting.
The novel gives various ways for someone working within a company to rise to the top and become the ceo. While some of the tips are more conventional such as always arriving early and putting extra effort into one’s job, other tips are more unexpected. An example of one tip that is more unconventional for how to rise to the top of a company would be to “never let a good boss make a mistake.” Something I was unaware of before reading the novel is that how your boss performs has a direct impact on you. Additionally, if your boss is promoted, that gives you a better chance of getting a promotion by taking their spot.
Overall, the book provided numerous helpful tips for someone who wants to become ceo of their company or prepare for doing so in the future. My favorite tip that the book provided was to create and keep a “people file.” I love how the book encourages people to create a “people file,” because it allows someone to automatically be able to remember everyone’s names and have facts written down about each person they come in contact with. Therefore, they will be better prepared for becoming ceo due to there knowledge of their surroundings.
I personally enjoyed this book very much. It was easy to follow and read and gave awesome tips! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is vying for a ceo position or students who want to prepare for a future job. It is extremely helpful as it gives many different tips in how one can ultimately become the ceo of a company, some that you might expect, and others you would never guess. A similar book to this one would be “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko.
The novel gives various ways for someone working within a company to rise to the top and become the ceo. While some of the tips are more conventional such as always arriving early and putting extra effort into one’s job, other tips are more unexpected. An example of one tip that is more unconventional for how to rise to the top of a company would be to “never let a good boss make a mistake.” Something I was unaware of before reading the novel is that how your boss performs has a direct impact on you. Additionally, if your boss is promoted, that gives you a better chance of getting a promotion by taking their spot.
Overall, the book provided numerous helpful tips for someone who wants to become ceo of their company or prepare for doing so in the future. My favorite tip that the book provided was to create and keep a “people file.” I love how the book encourages people to create a “people file,” because it allows someone to automatically be able to remember everyone’s names and have facts written down about each person they come in contact with. Therefore, they will be better prepared for becoming ceo due to there knowledge of their surroundings.
I personally enjoyed this book very much. It was easy to follow and read and gave awesome tips! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is vying for a ceo position or students who want to prepare for a future job. It is extremely helpful as it gives many different tips in how one can ultimately become the ceo of a company, some that you might expect, and others you would never guess. A similar book to this one would be “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko.
October 18, 2017
I highly recommend this book to those looking to get the gist around what it takes to become CEO or rise up in any organization. I might be giving this book more credit than most because I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur since 17 and I have a lot of friends in CEO roles around the world. I’m sure you’re wondering what that has to do with anything. A good friend and former Chairman of Butterfield Bank Bermuda gave me this book and I started to notice a common trend. A lot, if not all the chapters represented him in some way shape or form. Literally every other chapter if not each one reminded me of him in some way or spot on.
Don’t be discouraged to read this book if you see some of the reviews mentioning things like:
"some tips are just a bit far off like 1) While on a business trip, eat breakfast in the hotel room instead of going to the breakfast buffet and (2) Don't attend Christmas parties."
What Jeffery Fox means by #1 is do not get caught up in the hype of being away from home. AKA do not get distracted by what everyone else is doing when you can be getting crucial work done. As a full-time entrepreneur I know this is a MAJOR reason why many of us fail and so little of us actually make it. My Chairmen friend went from Chair of Butterfield Bank to being Chairman of another large corporation within the same month of leaving the bank. I know notice a lot of the reasons why he was able to do this is due to the common points made in this book. Plus he also has a ton of technical skills.
My biggest take away from this book:
1. Think for One Hour Every Day. (ch.9)
2. Don’t Have a Drink with the Gang. (ch.11)
3. Friday is “How Ya Doin’?” Day (ch.14)
4. The difference between the successful person and the average is inches.
5. The concept doesn't have to be perfect but the execution does.
Feel free to reach out to me to discuss more!
Don’t be discouraged to read this book if you see some of the reviews mentioning things like:
"some tips are just a bit far off like 1) While on a business trip, eat breakfast in the hotel room instead of going to the breakfast buffet and (2) Don't attend Christmas parties."
What Jeffery Fox means by #1 is do not get caught up in the hype of being away from home. AKA do not get distracted by what everyone else is doing when you can be getting crucial work done. As a full-time entrepreneur I know this is a MAJOR reason why many of us fail and so little of us actually make it. My Chairmen friend went from Chair of Butterfield Bank to being Chairman of another large corporation within the same month of leaving the bank. I know notice a lot of the reasons why he was able to do this is due to the common points made in this book. Plus he also has a ton of technical skills.
My biggest take away from this book:
1. Think for One Hour Every Day. (ch.9)
2. Don’t Have a Drink with the Gang. (ch.11)
3. Friday is “How Ya Doin’?” Day (ch.14)
4. The difference between the successful person and the average is inches.
5. The concept doesn't have to be perfect but the execution does.
Feel free to reach out to me to discuss more!
November 18, 2021
The book recommended 77 tips to conquer the top of the enterprise.
Despite to being updated (was written in 1976) some of the rules recommended still beneficial on our working and personal day. Some of rules that I want to take in actions are:
1. Have an ideas notebook always by your side.
2. Take the responsibility. “Your destiny and your career growth are your responsibility, no one else’s”, that’s a true statement, do not blame others for the things you do o what happened to you.
3. Get healthy, the quote that remind me the important of taking care of my health and body was: “Your brain will make you money, but your body carries your brain. The better your physical condition, the greater your capacity for productive, unrelenting work”
4. Take the time for you, to plan to dreaming, thinking your goals, what will be the next step or if you need to change the direction.
5. Do the extra. Make one more call, make one more visit to your customers, make one more extra on your job.
6. Always be on time. Do not waste the time for the others, the time lost never come back.
7. Take time with your family and friends. Not always is work, spend the time with your family, and friends.
8. Have a good communications skills. If your team can not understand what you ask for, they will never do the thing that you wan to really say. So, start to perfection this skill. A good rule of thumb: Think for three hours; write for one”.
9. Have good manners. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Always say “please” and “thank you”, be polite when you ask for something.
10. Keep on training, studying, to make good decisions. You must always think fast and study fast to be able to decide fast.
11. Do not be afraid of have mistaken. .
Despite to being updated (was written in 1976) some of the rules recommended still beneficial on our working and personal day. Some of rules that I want to take in actions are:
1. Have an ideas notebook always by your side.
2. Take the responsibility. “Your destiny and your career growth are your responsibility, no one else’s”, that’s a true statement, do not blame others for the things you do o what happened to you.
3. Get healthy, the quote that remind me the important of taking care of my health and body was: “Your brain will make you money, but your body carries your brain. The better your physical condition, the greater your capacity for productive, unrelenting work”
4. Take the time for you, to plan to dreaming, thinking your goals, what will be the next step or if you need to change the direction.
5. Do the extra. Make one more call, make one more visit to your customers, make one more extra on your job.
6. Always be on time. Do not waste the time for the others, the time lost never come back.
7. Take time with your family and friends. Not always is work, spend the time with your family, and friends.
8. Have a good communications skills. If your team can not understand what you ask for, they will never do the thing that you wan to really say. So, start to perfection this skill. A good rule of thumb: Think for three hours; write for one”.
9. Have good manners. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Always say “please” and “thank you”, be polite when you ask for something.
10. Keep on training, studying, to make good decisions. You must always think fast and study fast to be able to decide fast.
11. Do not be afraid of have mistaken. .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
The book is a guide for ambitious professionals who aspire to reach the highest levels of leadership. It is a collection of practical rules and strategies which is designed to help individuals navigate the corporate ladder and position themselves for top executive roles.
The book is structured as a series of short, punchy chapters, each presenting a rule or principle that Fox believes is essential for success. Some of his advice is traditional—such as maintaining a strong work ethic, building a powerful network, and demonstrating leadership. However, other insights stand out for their counterintuitive nature, like “Always take the job that offers the most money” or “Skip all office parties.” These unconventional recommendations challenge common workplace norms and make the book a refreshing read.
The book is more of a collection of sharp, memorable rules rather than a deep dive into leadership philosophy. Additionally, certain recommendations may not apply universally across industries or corporate cultures. Overall it is an ideal read for those who appreciate straight-to-the-point wisdom on climbing the corporate ladder.
The book is structured as a series of short, punchy chapters, each presenting a rule or principle that Fox believes is essential for success. Some of his advice is traditional—such as maintaining a strong work ethic, building a powerful network, and demonstrating leadership. However, other insights stand out for their counterintuitive nature, like “Always take the job that offers the most money” or “Skip all office parties.” These unconventional recommendations challenge common workplace norms and make the book a refreshing read.
The book is more of a collection of sharp, memorable rules rather than a deep dive into leadership philosophy. Additionally, certain recommendations may not apply universally across industries or corporate cultures. Overall it is an ideal read for those who appreciate straight-to-the-point wisdom on climbing the corporate ladder.
August 25, 2017
Finished reading "How to become CEO" on the beach. I started because it was short and available, and pressed on in spite of page 7 which says, "Staff jobs include lawyers...Take a staff job only if it is clearly temporary, a stepping stone, and if it pays more money."
This book is like the haiku version of "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie which I read in Germany and liked a lot. "CEO" is shorter, snappier, has almost zero example stories, and is more modern than the edition of "How To" that I read.
I don't plan on ever being a CEO, but I think this book is useful for anyone who works. At the end the author's note says flip to two random pages and implement those suggestions today. I got "Look Sharp, Be Sharp" and "Learn to Speak and Write in Plain English." Both definite areas of improvement for me...once I get off the beach.
This book is like the haiku version of "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie which I read in Germany and liked a lot. "CEO" is shorter, snappier, has almost zero example stories, and is more modern than the edition of "How To" that I read.
I don't plan on ever being a CEO, but I think this book is useful for anyone who works. At the end the author's note says flip to two random pages and implement those suggestions today. I got "Look Sharp, Be Sharp" and "Learn to Speak and Write in Plain English." Both definite areas of improvement for me...once I get off the beach.
December 8, 2017
Another fantastic leadership/business book that is a must read for anyone wanting to improve their career no matter what their role is. This book is executive style (my favorite) which means it has large font, 1-2 page chapters and SUPER concise information. You can read it quickly or just pick it up and read a couple of chapters in 5 minutes every now and then. It will change the way you approach your work and will help you become a better employee and leader (in a management role or not). I have re-read this book several times. It has helped me manage my stress and become a stronger leader. Love it!
September 28, 2021
It's a good book for any professional in their field no matter the position, the book puts emphasis on professional behavior at the workplace.
However, the rules listed might be a bit uptight at times. Specifically, the rule regarding eating all your meals exclusively in your hotel room (while on a business trip) in order to save time that should be used for getting the work done. The part about purposefully not attending any work get-togethers is a similar story, otherwise, a decent quick read-through while traveling, no breakthrough ideas, nothing harmful.
However, the rules listed might be a bit uptight at times. Specifically, the rule regarding eating all your meals exclusively in your hotel room (while on a business trip) in order to save time that should be used for getting the work done. The part about purposefully not attending any work get-togethers is a similar story, otherwise, a decent quick read-through while traveling, no breakthrough ideas, nothing harmful.
January 29, 2018
Reading a 1998 publication in 2018, there’s a combination of takeaways and irrelevant information in today’s current business trends. This could still provide some essential tools in thinking how a CEO operates in their day-to-day business or even as a top performing employee. While I am sure the job of a CEO is far from simple, the advice is pretty black and white and common sense to deliver good habits on your way to the top.
July 27, 2018
I think this book is meant somewhat lightheartedly. As I was reading it I remember thinking to myself several times "is this a joke?"
It's a mixture of solid if somewhat obvious advice and off the wall suggestions.
Still, there are enough things here that are at least some are worth thinking about, especially for that particularly ambitious person.
Sort of a simplified version of the "The Art of War" I guess.
It's a mixture of solid if somewhat obvious advice and off the wall suggestions.
Still, there are enough things here that are at least some are worth thinking about, especially for that particularly ambitious person.
Sort of a simplified version of the "The Art of War" I guess.
April 23, 2018
I had assumed this was going to be more humorous and light hearted when I saw it in the ex-library book bin for fifty cents and was going to give to a colleague, but I read it first.
It is 75 tips on becoming CEO and if you followed them all, you might achieve that success but you would be a miserable old geezer with lots of money and no friends.
There is some terrible life advice in these pages, what a load of old nonsense.
It is 75 tips on becoming CEO and if you followed them all, you might achieve that success but you would be a miserable old geezer with lots of money and no friends.
There is some terrible life advice in these pages, what a load of old nonsense.
November 3, 2018
Just completed How to become CEO and I’ve enjoyed reading it. It’s a small book and I completed it in a few hours but it has some good and practical points that you can apply to any area of your life. However I’d say it doesn’t go into detail about how to actually develop your career through professional development and become a CEO. Instead it is mainly about personal development which of course is helpful for all areas of your life.
August 19, 2019
I listened to it as an audio book. It should be called "complete checklist for becoming CEO" - just tells you do this, don't do that.
Half is common wisdom from other self-help books, the other half is like "Work harder than others" and "Always keep your shoes polished".
Well, I've worked with several VP's and one CEO, and what keeps those people apart from the crowd is definitely not captured in this book.
Half is common wisdom from other self-help books, the other half is like "Work harder than others" and "Always keep your shoes polished".
Well, I've worked with several VP's and one CEO, and what keeps those people apart from the crowd is definitely not captured in this book.
October 7, 2019
Picked up in the Boston airport book exchange. I think the book gives an aspiring executive conversation fodder—what is the amount of sensible social time to spend with your company? What does it mean to dress well at a modern tech company? Why do we dislike empire builders in theory, but we all think they are our path to promotion and growth?
It’s easy to down play the Hudson News sales books, but if you really are trying to grow, any opportunity to reflect is a good one!
It’s easy to down play the Hudson News sales books, but if you really are trying to grow, any opportunity to reflect is a good one!
December 16, 2022
I admit that at the beginning of the book I didn't like it. I felt that it was a machine who was creating. I stopped for a while and I remembered that even those bad books you should finish them and I did. I understand now what the autor was trying to mention. Impressive the end of the book. My recommendation read with analytical mind, what is says may be truth but always think about your mental health!
March 16, 2020
Awesome little book full of tips to become a great leader. I feel like the principles apply to work as well as to life. This is a book I can flip open on any day of the week and get a nice reminder of something I can work on. Chapters are 1-2 pages long so it makes for a easy stop-and-go read. Worth the time it takes to read.
July 6, 2020
How to Become a CEO was a great book with great advice for someone starting off in the business world. Time and time again, the aspect of making goals and writing them down has been cited as part of a successful life, as does this book. Despite being outdated, the book was an easy and enjoyable read!
February 1, 2023
Not perfect, but a nice short and to the point read.
If you want to be a ceo the easiest way is to buy an existing business. Then after stating this goes on to explain some solid rules for excelling in the corporate ladder.
I don’t agree with the idea of never drinking in front of colleagues and avoid company parties, but that sure is safe advice for the masses.
If you want to be a ceo the easiest way is to buy an existing business. Then after stating this goes on to explain some solid rules for excelling in the corporate ladder.
I don’t agree with the idea of never drinking in front of colleagues and avoid company parties, but that sure is safe advice for the masses.
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