Rules of Work, Expanded Edition, The: A Definitive Code for Personal Success

The Rules by Richard Templar

by Richard Templar

Some people are simply great at their job; they always seem to say or do the right thing. They are mentioned in every conversation. Everybody likes them. They get promoted. They get pay raises. They get along with the boss. And somehow, they do all these things without being unpleasant, breaking much of a sweat or seeming to put in excess effort. And when they are offered another step up the corporate ladder or a fabulous new job, no one is surprised. After all, they have 'potential' written all over them. How do they do it? Do they know some secret we don't? Yes, they know The Rules of Work.   These rules aren't about how to do your job, they are about how you are seen doing it. They are about how you appear to others. And they are about helping you to achieve the success you richly deserve. The first edition of The Rules of A Definitive Code for Personal Success became a global phenomenon, topping bestseller charts around the world. This new edition includes 10 brand new rules to take you further, faster. These rules are the guiding principles that will improve both what you do and how you do it, giving you the unmistakable air of confidence that will win you admiration, respect, and the next promotion. With The Rules under your belt you'll have the edge in everything you do, without having to compromise your principles.  

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Leadership, Personal Development, Psychology, Management

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2002

About the author

Richard Templar is an astute observer of human behavior and understands what makes the difference between those of us who effortlessly glide towards success and those of us who struggle against the tide. He has distilled these observations into his Rules titles. More than 1 million people around the world have enjoyed and now play by Richard Templar's Rules.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe this book is more helpful for fresh college grads, or people who work in really toxic office environments. His advice seems manipulative to co-workers (scheming to get his manager transferred... really?) and dishonest to himself (always smile, never show how hard you work). Most of the office issues he mentions (vacation scheduling, stealing office supplies, getting reports typed) are outdated for at least 10 years.

I would not recommend this book to anyone who works in a modern company/industry. He simply assumes that there is a clear path up to the top in any company... we all know that is often not the case today. I would also hate to go into work everyday thinking of it as a battle between "me" and "them".

[Ammar Madan · Rating 4 out of 5]

لن تجد كتاب بهذا الجمال والوضوح والهندسة.
كتاب يضع لك القواعد لترتقي في عملك وفق قواعد هو جربها على نفسه.
كتاب وكاتب أنا أعشق سلسلته - القواعد- بعض فقرات الكتاب يكفي العنوان لتعرف المحتوى.

قد يقول قائل، هذا بلداً ليس في قاعدة، من رأس الهرم، الى فراش الشارع!
هذا مجال لن تخوض فيه " لا توهقونا يا جماعة الخير"

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those books that assumes you live for your job and are willing to devote your life 24/7 to climbing the corporate ladder. You know the kind. It essentially recommends that you spend every waking hour plotting your next career move and every moment at work cultivating a very specific image. It does mention that you need to be good at your job but almost as a minor detail. This book is about image.

It sounds exhausting (and a bit sad), even if it's all written in a friendly, self-deprecating tone. It reminded me in some ways of one of those guides for aspiring pick-up artists, where tricks, illusion, manipulation and false charm take the place of actual romance.

There was some helpful advice along the way about maintaining a professional exterior (I guess we have to) and not getting too bogged down with operational whatnot. I just don't recommend the full program.

[Fatma Al Zahraa Yehia]

صراحة الكتاب صدمتك؟
وبعدين بصيت حواليك ولقيت معظم الكلام المكتوب للأسف هو الحقيقة والواقع؟

أني أسف

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.O.W. - top takeaways

1) ~monthly unsolicited report. Take initiative.
2) Set work done by lunchtime
3) Volunteer sparingly
4) Carve out a niche for yourself
5) Never deliver late or short (under promise, over deliver)
6) Understand boss' motives, and company's goals
7) 100% commitment to role and goals
8) ENJOY the work
9) See management's viewpoint
10) Don't overwork. Manage your energy - Food, excersize, sleep, meditation.
11) Look for ways to reduce workload, delegate, not be seen as working too hard
12) Work life at work, home life at home
13) Smile, confident, spring in step
14) Have a classic, consistent appearance, checked every single day
15) Study promotion system in company and in sector
16) Have clearly defined goals for 1, 3, 5 y
17) Avoid gossip and badmouthing people
18) Compliment people sincerely, followed by a question
19) In conversation, ask question, use please and thank you always
20) Keep records of requests and deliverables. Double confirm.
21) Keep faith and keep perspective. Its a long game.
22) Understand boss' motives. Make your boss look good.
23) Get your face known. Get your name known.
24) Think like an owner of the business
25) Spend more time with senior staff

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

c2010: I am not quite sure how I feel about this book. As pointed out in the preface, anyone who has worked for a while practises a lot of the 'rules' without knowing it. In a way, it is almost like a manual for a psychopath on how to fit in to a normal situation. There are some nuggets of gold but some of the other rules I would hate to think that I am using merely to get on in the working world. I can just imagine that the bright young things running around looking for all the promotions available would devour this book..but it makes for a cold, cold, world.

[Bassel · Rating 1 out of 5]

كتاب مهم لكل من يريد معرفة طرق التملّق في العمل والتسلق على ظهور الزملاء للارتقاء بالوظائف يشرح كل الطرق الدنيئة التي يظهر صاحبها حسن نيته بشكل ظاهري كاذب ويقصد من خلالها استغلال زملائه لصعود السلّم الوظيفي

[Adedoyin Adesanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend this book for every college graduate, it’s practically common sense, but some of these things you learn them while working, it’s good to have information, and knowledge is power........ Having this book is acting one step ahead of the others, practicing it, you are sure to be at the top. Well done Templar.......


The Book:

1.Walk the talk: These first Rules are the underlying ones that govern all the others—know your job well, do it well, and be better than anyone else at doing it. It’s that simple. The secret part is to make sure nobody knows how hard you have to work to do it so well.

2.Know that you are being judged at all times

3.Have a plan: He that fails to plan plans to fail: Smart followers of The Rules know exactly where they’re going.

4.If you can’t say anything nice, shut up: We all like to gossip, to bitch, to talk about our boss behind her back. The Rule, however, is—don’t do it. Learn to say only positive things, nice things, and complimentary things.

5. Look after yourself: . These Rules are about minimizing enemies and staying one jump ahead. As you get more successful, it is often a sort of organic process that you attract jealousy and envy. By practicing these Rules, you will avoid this and look after yourself—especially your back.

6. Blend in: No one likes a black sheep or a white crow or a fish that swims in a different direction from the rest of the shoal. These Rules teach you how to blend in, become “one of them” so you don’t stand out as an outsider.

7. Act one step ahead: These Rules teach you how to adopt the mannerisms, attitudes, and managerial traits of the position above the one you currently hold. If you already look as if you’ve been promoted, Chances are you will be.

8. Cultivate Diplomacy: Smooth Rules Players move rapidly up the corporate ladder because they are diplomats.

9. Know the system and milk it: If you are going to move on up, you had better know the ropes. These Rules teach you how to understand the system—and how to milk it for all you’re worth. They will have you out-managing the management because you’ll know the system better than they do.

10. Handle the opposition:

[Abdullah · Rating 2 out of 5]

أول كتاب تطوير ذات أقرأه وهو من تأليف الكاتب ريتشارد تمبلر الذي بدأه بمقدمة تتضمن انتصار زميله عليه في شغل منصب من مناصب الشركة، فمنذ ذلك اليوم بدأ يحلل ويدرس لماذا لم يشغل هذا المنصب مع أنه لديه مؤهلات أعلى من زميله والجميع يعلم أن الكفء لهذا المنصب.
حينها كتب ريتشارد هذه القواعد ال108 بحكم سنين من الخبرة والعديد من الوظائف والمناصب التي شغرها.
يتألف الكتاب من عشرة أجزاء تحتوي 108 قاعدة لتعلمك وتجرك إلى الطريق الصحيح، كيف تصبح موظفا ناجحا وتكون متميزا وذو صيت عالي في مجالك.

الجزء الأول وهو اقرن القول بالعمل يتحدث عن عدم القول أو الوعود بدون فعل أو التزام فحينما تحدد موعدا لاجتماع أو تُكلف بعمل وأنت وافقت عليه، فيجب عليك إنجازه.

الجزء الثاني أن تعلم أنك في الميزان أي أنه يجب عليك الانضباط وحسن الخلق لأن كل هذه العوامل تؤثر على وظيفتك وترقياتك.

الجزء الثالث أن تكون لديك خطة فهنا يتحدث عن الاتقان وأن تكون الوظيفة وسيلة لنجاحاتك وليست غاية.

الجزء الرابع يتحدث عن أنه إن لم تجد ماتقوله فاصمت فهنا يحدثنا المؤلف عن سوء النميمة والكذب والكلام الفارغ الذي قد يسبب لك المشاكل.

الجزء الخامس وهو انتبه لنفسك، ويحدثنا أيضا عن الانضباط ومعرفة كامل مهنتك لتنجزها بالطريقة الصحيحة والمناسبة فتساعد الشركة على النمو.

الجزء السادس امتزج مع المجموعة، يعني أن لا تكون دائما منعزلا في مكتبك لا تقابل زملائك ولا تشاركهم النصائح والنقاشات أو نزهات المطعم أو الكوفي.

الجزء الثامن كن دبلوماسيا، هنا يحدث متى تتكلم وكيف تتكلم وماهو الوقت المناسب للكلام الذي يختلف إن كنت تتحدث أمام زبون أو عميل أو زميل أو مدير.

الجزء العاشر التعامل مع المنافسة، فيحدثك هنا بأنه حتى لو كان زملائك ينافسونك على الترقيات فيجب أن تكون منافستك شريفة تخلو من الغدر أو الطعن في الظهر.

في المجمل الكاتب عادي وبه الكثير من العبارات المكررة التي أعتقد أن الكاتب أراد بها حشو الكتاب ليبدو ضخما، فكثيرا ماقرأت عبارة كما قلنا في القاعدة رقم كذا. أيضا يحتوي الكتاب على كثير من التناقضات التي من السهل ملاحظتها، فمثلا هناك قاعدة تقول لك لا تكذب لاقرأ بأنه يكذب في قاعدة أخرى. قد جعل هناك أوقات يجب بها كسر القواعد شماعة له. مشكلة كبيرة إن كان كسر القواعد سيجعلك تنقض قاعدة أخرى فهنا تجعلنا نظن أن قواعدك ركيكة ولا تقوم على أساس بل على هوى الشخص النفسه.

[Isa Salman · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب جدا جميل

تطرق الكاتب فيه بشكل منطقي متسلسل سلس عن الاعمال التى يفنرض على من يريد الترقي في عمله والحصول على المراكز العليا ان يتبعها من واقع خبرتة الشخصية

لو اتيح لي المجال لتغيير عنوان الكتاب لأسميته "أخلاقيات العمل" لان الكاتب كان يركز على اهمية تحلي الموظف العامل بالقواعد المذكورة بالأخلاق

[Iman Fuad · Rating 3 out of 5]

ببسـاطه هذا الكتـاب عبارة عن قواعد سهلة ومباشرة , نصائح لمن هم في دائرة العمل وللمدراء بالذات , مئة قاعدة حصيلة ريتشارد تمبلر من حياته العملية لُـخصت هنا .

[Aman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly easy yet educating read
The book is 10 rules divided into 10 sub-rules each.
I love the book structure which helps to focus on the important parts and keep everything in mind.
The most useful thing is that it helped me act in a professional way with colleagues, bosses and clients.
Of course not all rules apply everywhere they seem to be most suitable to a western sort of work environment.

[Hala · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helps you to highlight on some areas you might not notice on your own, I liked some rules, and I appreciate the efforts of the writer, but on the other side at the end you will feel like you are not Human being who is attending his work , you are an actor on a despicable Stage ! you have to pretend all the time, and fake yourself all the time which leads to hypocrisy.

[Mohamed El-Zeadani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author here assumes, throughout much of his book, that his reader is someone in the corporate world (a company setting) and, in that sense, attempts to lay down, in simple words, the rules to ensure a speedy path up the career ladder. Overall, the book is straightforward and doesn’t leave much to ponder about. For a person well raised and possesses a good range of soft skills, the book is rather redundant; however, for someone who is indeed struggling in their career, the book could be illuminating.

One of the first rules that come to mind (from a total of 109) is ‘under promise and over deliver’ (RULE 5). “If you know you can do it by Wednesday always say Friday,” Mr. Templar recommends. This point resonated with me well, and it does make sense and gives one less pressure to meet a deadline. RULE 10 also comes to mind here (‘Develop the right attitude’), where the author reaffirms that “the right attitude is head up, never moaning, always positive and upbeat, constantly looking for the advantage and the edge.” In RULE 21, the author reminds the reader to ‘be cool’ where I couldn’t agree more. One must indeed keep their composure and appear in control of things regardless of the circumstances. Two rules later, the author says “always make your signature big – big signature, big person,” as a way to emphasize the importance of how written things matter.

In RULE 50, the author advises to ‘keep records’ at all times. Don’t delete old emails, he warns, as they can come in handy to settle a dispute or remind someone of an initial agreement. Before reading this rule, I was thinking to delete some of my old emails to save some space, but Mr. Templar made my job easier by not needing to go back and determine which email I should delete, I’ll be keeping them for now. ‘Put things in perspective’ is another important rule that I feel many people often miss, and a good habit to build. After all, things might not be as serious as many presume.

‘Ask questions in times of conflict’ (RULE 80) came across to me as a good strategy to apply while in conflicts, it can reduce the tension and shift the attention to something else. Moreover, ‘Know the psychology of promotion’ (RULE 102) was an eye opening rule where the author lists several possible reasons behind offering a new post, but perhaps most notably was to get rid of someone by offering the new post to an unsuitable candidate to have grounds for sacking them. In a way the author is trying to be preemptive here.

The author ends his book by saying ‘know when to break the rules’ as to say that someone should always employ their judgment at all times. Over the course of his book, the author often repeated himself unnecessarily (e.g. RULE 21 – Be cool and RULE 84 – Never lose your temper). I am not sure whether this is partly due to the curse of career writers who sometimes simply look for content to fill the pages of their books, but still, good rules of conduct always in a way overlap. To me, the book should be read on the side, but not consumed as a main course.

[Bart Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lot of Basic Information

There are things in life and business that are caught, not taught. At least there used to be.

With this book, Richard Templar takes many of those elements and puts them in a concise and easy form for those who are not fortunate enough to have a mentor, father or some other figure who will take the time and interest in them to teach them.

An easy read, it demands returning on occassion to "brush up" on these kernels of wisdom.

Many will read. Only some will deliberately put them into practise. Those who do will reap the benefits.

A standard reference that I keep hidden in my desk.

You should too.

[Huyền Trang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quyển này... ờ... tác giả viết hơi thô nhưng rất thật. Sách hữu ích cho người: bất chấp tất cả để thành công trong sự nghiệp, dùng mọi "kỹ năng" để thăng tiến. Còn nếu bạn thuộc dạng: cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống, sống thật với bản thân, hướng thiện,... thì không nên đọc làm gì.

[صديق الحكيم · Rating 3 out of 5]

من أهم الكتب التي قرأتها في مجال قواعد العمل
وأنا أرجع إليه من حين إلي آخر

[فهد · Rating 2 out of 5]

فيه نصائح جيدة للمقبلين على سوق العمل

[Molebatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to become whoever and whatever you aspire to be.

[Frederik · Rating 2 out of 5]

108 règles á suivre pour les arrivistes du monde cooperate. Parfois banale et trop évident (ne jamais mentir, ne jamais critiquer ton boss, be at the right time at the right place etc.) parfois trop manipulateur (comment lâcher le xxx de son chef, comment s’asseoir á cote de lui pendant la pause de déjeuner etc.) le livre ne donne jamais des solutions vraiment surprenantes.

Peut-être la règle la plus importante est la règle numéro 108 : « know when to break the rules, and if ever in doubt, always trust your instincts ». Est-ce qu’on ne savait déjà cela? Instinctivement?

[Asma'a Farahat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the way that the author used on writing this book,
It’s clarified how much he benefit from his working life..
But I didn’t like some advice that he gave cause it make me feel like working is kind of being selfish, just to love yourself..

[Mark Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, easy read on what your boss and friends won't tell you -- a great reference to getting along better in the work world. Read this!

[Xin Ya Jian]

DNF. But will definitely read it again soon.

[Rey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trash.. Utter trash.

Its a random compilation of "rules" which also have poorly written explanations. He rambles aimlessly in many parts without giving a proper explaination of the supposed "rules".

This wasn't rules of work, its about being a corporate kissass who wants to snake his way up the corporate ladder. More a 101 to become a spineless corporate vulture. The ones who'll smile and shake your hand while ready to backstab at moments notice. They live and fight for the smallest of scraps from the boss and mentally chalk points off their rivals in company rather than being team players. Play political games rather than do fruitful work. Moreover, it dosent even tell you to do that well either! Many of these rules are just plain nonsense.

Eg. Rule no. whatever, don't steal pens from your office.

I find it hilarious how he randomly namedrops being a "rules player",  i.e. someone who wants to be part of this tryhard exclusive club.  As if its an elite standard, when the quality of this book is astonishingly mediocre. Its so hokey, I honestly cannot believe how this has been something popular. 

Its so disingenuous, fake and contradicts itself far too many times to count. Books usually a reflection of the authors mind and their way of thinking. Had a total distaste for the man throughout. Its crazy how many times he mentions he's worked at companies with frauds or criminals, over and over again.

Awful, truly awful. A perfect example of stylish book cover and presentation being judged rather than its content.

[Sarah Kwok · Rating 1 out of 5]

If anyone has watched 'New Girl' on TV, I'm pretty sure the writers designed Schmidt's thinking and character, around the warped rules in this book.

The rules are old fashioned, and if every worker acted this way, it would make for an extremely toxic work environment, especially in this day and age, when we value mental health at work, and work life balance.

An updated version would be useful! I don't disagree with most the rules, but the examples and content definitely needs a revamp and refresh, like how Dale Carnegie has released a new version for the digital age.

Some points I find rather outdated:

- Never wear anything tight - loose clothes talk of quality and elegance, tight clothes of poverty and cheapness
- Never ask for help: never admit you are out of your depth
- Get anything fixed that can be fixed that would be considered unattractive - warts, bad breath, bad teeth, poor eyesight
- If there's an office fancy dress do, you can laugh and hike with everyone else, but let them do the dressing up. You remain apart from all that office nonsense.
- You can choose to get involved in all the social side of the office or you can remain one step removed. This makes you one step away from your colleagues and thus one step nearer to being their manager

[Yomeshan Fadl · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب خفيف ولطيف انصح بقرائته من هو جديد على بيئة العمل وكل من يبحث عن النجاح في العمل ، عشر قواعد على شكل 10 نصائح مبسطة مدعمة بامثلة عملية توضح الفكرة العامة، في بعض القواعد تشعر أنك تتبع قواعد بريطانية صارمة غير قابلة للتطبيق العملي، وفي قواعد أخرى تفطن إلى أنها ضرورية ومهمة وسهلة التطبيق، بالمجمل القواعد تبدو بديهية وكل شخص يطبقها من دون الرجوع حتى الى مرجع القواعد، اذا اتبعت قواعد الكتاب ستصبح شخصا محبوبا في محيط عملك على الرغم من تسلقك السلم الوظيفي وتفوقك على الجميع من زملائك، قد تكون مجيدا لعملك متفانيا فيه ولكن تنقصك بعض الرتوش التي تجعل حياتك أفضل في بيئة العمل في هذه الحالة اذن هذا الكتاب هو مرجعك، اقرا الكتاب اذا كنت جادا في رغبتك في احداث فرق واقرا الكتاب بسرية تامة ولا تشارك ما تعلمته مع الاخرين هذه شروط الكاتب لك اذا كنت تريد الاستفادة مما استخصله لك الكاتب في هذه الوريقات.

[NAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب جميل، أعجبتني أغلب القواعد والبعض القليل لم يعجبني.

بالنسبة لي، عند تطبيق القواعد من المهم جداً أن يحافظ الشخص على شخصيته كما هي، وعدم تلوينها أو تزييفها بأي شكل من الأشكال حتى تتناسب مع المحيط أو الأشخاص حوله. تستطيع الاندماج مع محيطك / الموظفين من حولك /بيئة العمل من غير تغيير صفة من صفاتك. فمثلاً أنا لن "أتحدث بلغتهم حتى وإن كانت مملة" فقط لداعي الاندماج، وإن لم أستطع الاندماج فسوف أبحث عن طرق أخرى أو بكل بساطة أنسحب.

أيضاً، أنا لن أكلف نفسي ما لا أستطيع لبذله على ملابسي أو اكسسواراتي، فبرأيي أستطيع أن أبدو مرتباً بهندام أنيق من غير تكلفة عالية -كما نص الكاتب تقريباً في إحدى قواعده.

عموماً الكتاب جيد جداً ولازال ريتشارد تمبلر من المؤلفين المفضلين لدي وأخطط لقراءة المزيد من مؤلفاته!

كما أنصح بقراءة هذا الكتاب.

[Kajal · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Author repeats rules and contradicts himself many times. e tells you to stay true to yourself and again tells you to act in front of co workers. He tells you to please every person and know things about everyone. Some rules are nice and useful but not every rule. This book might be helpful to people who are in marketing, sales or servicing but not everyone works in this field.

[Mohamedridha Alaskari محمد رضا العسكري]

incomplete. to read it later on,

[Vicky Collar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lo dejo porque me aburre, no me aporta nada nuevo y no quiero perder mi tiempo en lecturas que no me gustan.