Over the last decades, women have made considerable professional progress, but there are still many challenges to overcome. It is now my mission to share the lessons I have learned with young women so your road is easier. So here are my top ten tips drawn from my bestselling book, Playing to Win in Business.

1. Top 10 Tips from Playing to Win in Business
My career began as a nurse and years later I was honored
to be Mayo Clinic's first female Chief Administrative
Officer in its 150-year history. Along the way, I worked in
a variety of challenging leadership roles as an innovator
and thought leader, transforming organizations and
growing profits.
My career was successful because I realized early on that
business is a game with rules, both written and unwritten.
These business principles govern who gets promoted and
who is overlooked. Many of these rules are difficult for
women to uncover -- especially as they climb the ladder
into management, administration and high-level
leadership positions.
Here are the Top 10 that I would like to share with you.
Shirley A. Weis, Author of
Playing to Win in Business

2. One of the things you have to see clearly is that the corporate world is all a game. The sooner that you realize
that, the more time you have to prepare for what is ahead of you. It begins while you are still in college if you
plan to rise in the ranks where women are beginning to tread more often. – Shirley Weis
Tip 1 It’s All a Big Game

3. In order to be able to play a game, you have to know the rules. There are all kinds of rules- formal rules,
informal rules, house rules, family rules, your children or grandchildren’s rules, school’s rules, etc. In order to be
successful, you not only have to learn what the rules are, but you have to follow them, or pay a penalty.
– Shirley Weis
Tip 2 The Golden Rule

4. Most large organizations have some sort of policies and procedures manual. As you read the manual and
understand the written rules, realize that they are only half of the rules you need to know. These are the formal
Rules- the Rules with the big “R”. There are also less formal, unwritten rules, or rules with a little “r”.
Sometimes these unwritten rules are more important than the formal Rules. – Shirley Weis
Tip 3 Big “R” and little “r” Rules

5. If you do not know the rules, you are going to make a mistake, especially if it is a culture where people do not
help you with the rules. So little things like going into a meeting room and sitting in someone else’s chair, can
have a negative impact. – Shirley Weis
Tip 4 Become A Dispassionate Observer

6. An example of an unwritten rule that can help you get ahead is how you dress. If you want to climb to a higher
position, always dress for the next job you want. How do you determine what type of clothing to wear? Look
around, and pay attention- this is the key to learning all of the unwritten rules within an organization.
– Shirley Weis
Tip 5 Dress the Part

7. In some organizations, there is a formal chain of command an employee should follow, but in other
organizations it is less formal. In some others, it may non-existent while in others there may be what is written
and then what the real power structure is. It is essential not only to know what is the chain of command, but
also to know under what circumstances you should go to a superior with an issue. – Shirley Weis
Tip 6 Know the Chain of Command

8. The environment you are playing in is as important as having the skills to win. Every place has a set of rules that
you need to be aware of, and play by. You cannot assume anything; you have to pay attention to where you are,
who is there, and what your place is. You have to be careful not be begin playing until you are sure of the rules.
– Shirley Weis
Tip 7 Know Where YOU Are Playing the Game

9. There are definite sacrifices that a man or a woman have to make if they want to climb up the leadership ladder. Many
people are not willing to give up certain aspects of their lives. There is no judgment here; rather it is an explanation of why
many very well educated and skilled women never “lean in” to become a leader in a company. Being a leader means you have
to channel a great deal of your time and energy into the work environment often at the cost of family, friends and other
interests. – Shirley Weis
Tip 8 Babies

10. I have had my share of being in many meetings where I am the only woman in the room. I grew up with four brothers, so I
am pretty tough. I understand that men can be brutal to one another, and engage in a lot of “trash talk” where they are
teasing each other. Some women can be offended and not able to handle that type of roughhousing. They may feel they are
being picked on or bullied. I remind myself of where I am and if the workplace is male dominated, I can expect some of this
sort of talk and behavior. – Shirley Weis
Tip 9 Sense of Humor

11. It takes grit and perseverance to win the game, because knowing the rules, having talent, and showing up is not
enough. You have to really SHOW UP, if you intend to win. – Shirley Weis
Tip 10 Grit and Perseverance

12. Buy Playing to Win in Business
Available on Amazon.com
WeisAssociates.org