The Top 10 Commandments Of Work.

I’ve been making a list over the past six months of commandments about work. I get requests all the time to bundle them up into a post. So here they are:

1. Be the go-to person in your area.

Know your industry inside and out, you won't do well if you just know your job. Learn what's happening, who's up, who's down, any new processes and practices, who are the stars, etc.

2. Cultivate and consistently grow your contacts.

You can never have too many friends, colleagues, or connections.Learn how to communicate, both written and verbal. Most people stop once they start a job — this is death for any career. It's not only what you know — it's who you know too.

3. Ensure your superiors and clients ALWAYS look good.

This is not the same as brown-nosing — do the right thing and take care of the people that sign your check. When they move on to bigger and better things they will call, every time.

4. Know your strengths and weaknesses well.

Strengthen your strengths and keep a tab on your weaknesses so they don’t sabotage you.

5. Be totally honest in everything you do.

Even if it hurts in the short run. Solid ethics always trumps sharky snarkiness.

6. Don't ever get trapped into a dead-end position because you're scared of change.

Move. Change is good and will open new doors. Trust me.

7. Treat everyone from the CEO to the janitor with the utmost respect.

Yes, you do have time for everyone — I start conversations with security guards. When my battery is dead, guess who offers a quick jump?

8. Never stop learning.

Stay hungry for knowledge and experience. Not only does it feed itself, it becomes fun.

9. Listen. Don't talk all the time.

People you meet everyday have the most interesting and powerful things to say that can change your life.

10. Mix with other successful people.

To play better tennis you must play tennis with better tennis players. Seek their advice, listen to what they say, and apply it. Go find where they live.

Can you think of any others? Which ones have rung true for you in your career so far?

Top Posts for April 2012.

Okay, I posted one day early this month, so sue me. In case you missed them, here are my top ten posts for April 2012:

1. How To Stop Working So Late – Part One. 789 views
2. The Ten Commandments Of Leadership. 549 views
3. Two Questions That Will Change Your Life In A Powerful Way. 478 views
4. How To Stop Working So Late – Part Two. 441 views
5. Three Secrets Presentation Pros Keep To Themselves. 428 views
6. 4 Tips To Say “NO” and Make It Stick. 330 views
7. 3 Simple Rules In Life. 243 views
8. Top Five Regrets of the Dying. 235 views
9. Two People To Keep Your Eye On At Work. 231 views
10. When Your Company Throws You A Left Hook To The Chin. 210 views

I want to thank all of my readers who made April the biggest (most visited) month ever for my site. I really appreciate all of the visits and most of all telling other people about my site. It means a lot to me.

If you get a chance, please forward your favorite to someone else you know. Thank you!

Which post really resonated with you?

Stay in touch — I love your feedback! Keep it coming. Regards - Rich