The document outlines new rules for navigating the modern workplace. The "old rules" involved following a linear career path within a single company. The new rules emphasize taking charge of one's career, continually learning, networking as a lifestyle, and employing a "why not?" attitude. Key aspects of the new rules include practicing "professional dissatisfaction" by always seeking to improve, viewing networking as a way to help others rather than an end goal, and pursuing opportunities without being deterred by doubts. The document encourages developing skills like self-promotion, leveraging one's strengths, and becoming an interesting person in order to better manage one's career.

1. Rules
for the
New
Workplace
By Barry L. Davis, MS, CTC, MCDP
Director of Career Services, LMA Consulting Group

2. There is a theory which states that if
ever anybody discovers exactly what
the Universe is for and why it is here,
it will instantly disappear and be
replaced by something even more
bizarre and inexplicable.
…………..
There is another theory which states
that this has already happened.
-Douglas Adams

3. The “Old” Rules . . .
• Go to school for a field where you can get hired
• Use your education to get an entry level job with a
solid company
• Do what you are told
• Never challenge your superiors
• Take every promotion offered
• Attend your retirement party
• THEN go do what you want!

4. The “Old” Rules . . .
• Go to school for a field where you can get hired
• Use your education to get an entry level job with a
solid company
• Do what you are told
• Never challenge your superiors
• Take every promotion offered
• Attend your retirement party
• THEN go do what you want!

5. Some New Rules
• Ask. Take charge of your Career
• Practice “Professional Dissatisfaction”
• Read. Listen. Learn. Never stop.
• Network as a WAY OF LIFE, not means to an
end.
• Employ my “Why Not? Principle”

6. New Rule #1
• Ask. Take charge of your Career.
“If you don’t ask for what you want, you simply have to take
what you get.”
Doesn’t mean you get it, but . . . (see above!)
Not just a “Squeaky Wheel” – but make SOME noise!
They want, need to hear
The first step is YOURS!

7. New Rule #2
• Practice “Professional Dissatisfaction”
How can I improve? Every day…
Be Passionate, not Perfectionistic
Always ask, “How can I make it even better?”
Dan Pink’s “asymptote”
(keep reaching)

8. New Rule #3
• Read. Listen. Learn. Never stop.
I wish had . . .
Didn’t need it for my job . . .
No treading water anymore
Learn in your passionate areas that contribute to
the company. Seek to continually add value.
It’s “not about you.” Then again, it IS!

9. New Rule #4
• Network as a WAY OF LIFE, not a means to
an end.
The “Strength of Weak Ties” by Mark Granovetter
How can you help them?
Information – Advice – Referral

10. New Rule #5
• Employ my “Why Not? Principle”
Non Impediti Ratione Cogitationinis
(Unencumbered by the thought process – Car Talk)
“If you can’t say “No,” the next answer MUST be “Yes!”
“Persistence trumps Talent” – from Johnny Bunko
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
– Wayne Gretzky

11. Develop Critical Career Skills
• Don’t assume. Hire yourself as a PR Agent.
• Discover and grow your Strengths.
• Become “Lucky.”
• Sharpen your People Skills.
• Create and exert your Distinctiveness. Become
interesting.
• Master the “Permission Paradox.”

12. The “takeaway”. . .
Your career development is
entirely too important to be
left solely in the hands of
your employer!

13. Some GREAT Resources . . .
The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers – by Citrin, James M. and Smith,
Richard A., 2003
The Adventures of Johnny Bunko – Pink, Dan, 2008
Drive – Pink, Dan, 2009
Flow – Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly, 1990
Go, Put Your Strengths to Work - Buckingham, Marcus, 2007
How to Be a Star at Work - Kelly, Robert, 1998
Love It, Don’t Leave It – Kaye, Beverly and Jordan-Evans, Sharon, 1993
The Luck Factor – Wiseman, Richard, 2003
Stick Yourself Out There/Get Them to Come to You – Ginsberg, Scott,
2010

14. 1848 Charter Lane
Lancaster, PA 17601-5896
717.509.8889 877.562.2888
bdavis@lmaconsulting.cc
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