That you can do without the help of this book. All it needs is the right state of mind.

Time management.. probably. But the biggest benefit I got out of it was the perspective of long-term planning, as well as consciously creating balance in my life.

When I see the “stuff” accumulating and my chest starts to feel tight, I know I should do some renegotiating, reprioritizing and refocusing. In summary, it helped me stay on track not only where work is concerned, but also all other aspects of my life.

Highly recommended.. good luck!

Did you see the fight club entry?
http://www.43things.com/entries/view/561383

I sure did. Great entry. It’s what inspired me to ask for more details.

I have put my thoughts below, from the perspective of someone explaining the rules. Let me know if I’m on the right page!

Rule number 1: Do not talk about Fight Club

That makes sense. You have to keep it to yourself for it to be successful.

Goal: “To become known as a reliable, involved, communicative, positive, non-threatening force in the team”

What a great way to feel a sense of self-worth from knowing that at least you’ve done a good job. Plus, you’re on track to be noticed when it’s time to promote someone who genuinely benefits the company (you!).

Basic Principles:
1. Accept the situation, with a philosophy

Most people have things about their job that they hate. But with a philosophy (read: secret benevolent agenda), you can keep those things in perspective.

2. Do your job

Knowing that you do your job, and as a result of that effort you undoubtedly do your job well, gives you the confidence to be bold in your actions. If you’re going to be involved, communicative, positive, and take on leadership roles, that confidence will be your foundation.

3. Know your rights

As someone who does their job well, you will-at some point-step on someone’s toes. Odds are someone will step on yours as well. Knowing the rules and understanding your rights is very important in these situations.

4. Never make others feel threatened, or show their incompetence

This ties in well with rule #6 (Avoid making enemies). If someone is threatened, they will do what they can to bite you back.

5. Don’t (publicly) criticize, complain or condemn others

This keeps you out of the corporate cycle of cynicism. It’s easy to get sucked into the moaning and groaning mentality, which saps your energy and motivation.

6. Avoid making enemies

It’s hard to do a good job when someone is out to sabotage you.

7. Keep it informal as much as possible

Being informal maintains work as a friendly, down-to-earth environment. It reminds me of a great saying: “Always put people before results”. At the end of the day, your relationships with other people are what matters. No one will remember whether or not you put together a great report 5 years ago; but the friends you still have to this day because you valued them over results are a constant reminder of what’s really important. Get the best results you can while treating others with respect and friendship.

8. Get decisions made in writing

This supports rule #2 (Do your job). The first step to this is knowing what your job is. Having it in writing makes it clear to everyone involved. I know a lot of people-including myself-who send out notes after meetings so things are captured in writing.

9. Be calm, speak slowly, smile and laugh quietly

Drama in the workplace is unnecessary and uncomfortable. Be one of the people who makes the workplace enjoyable.

10. Take the lead in your projects and in areas where others don’t (even if it’s their responsibility!)

Waiting for other people to make things happen is a recipe for frustration. Understand the end goal and make progress towards that goal without waiting for others to lead. Usually the end goal is the company’s bottom line, which is best helped by maintaining high customer satisfaction. So focus on the customer’s experience and you’re bound to be on the right track.

Always REMEMBER “act in 3D”:

1. Defend: Immediately let others know when they are crossing the line with you, with complete sincerity and seriousness

Better to let someone know and talk it through than to stew on it privately.

2. Demystify: Validate your understanding of others’ statements or actions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t make sense.

3. Detach: Do not play in the games of others

The less drama you are involved in, the better!

General guidelines:
Publicize all the work you accomplish as much as possible!!

No one else will do it!

Liberally compliment others on their achievements.

It’s tough to do a good job if no one seems to care. Be the person who cares; motivate people to do a good job, and you might make some friends along the way!