Golden Rules - II

As I take a career break after spending four years in job, I present here a concise list of my Golden Rules for a sureshot rise in the corporate world, many of which I learned the hard way.

1. Diplomacy always pays.
2. At times, bluntness pays better.
3. Commit honestly. Have courage to back out from commitments, if required.
4. Wasting time isn't a waste always. Even if that means discussing economic policies of Banana Rep. with your boss.
5. Everybody can't be equally talented in all aspects. Let the relevant person take leadership in his area of talent.
6. Appreciate efforts, no matter what the result.
7. Life isn't fair. The best person doesn't always win. Learn to live with it.
8. Take breaks whenever you feel like. Don't wait for the workload to get less. The world isn't going to stop for you to get off.
9. Don't bury things. Admit mistakes tactfully.
10. Money matters.
11. Having a contigency job on hand is always better.
12. Be patient. There are many more people who put up with more crap than you do .
13. Value other people's time.
14. Wear a smile.
15. Bypassing your boss is a high risk - high return strategy. Not for the amateurs.
16. Carry your work home, not the pressure.
17. Don't chase fads.
18. You don't work for the betterment of the organization. You work so that your boss looks best.
19. Having only one godfather in a company can be brutal. Instead have none.
20. Nothing is so important or so urgent to make you tense.
21. Office parties/ picnics are never casual.
22. Two people can keep a secret, if one is dead.
23. Fairer sex is not always preferred.
24. To rise high, 'Smartness may be tolerated. Shrewdness would be demanded.'
25. There are shortcuts to success.
26. You won't stick to all of your today's perceptions tomorrow. Respect people who differ.
27. Prejudices exist. Biases are inevitable.
28. You ought to be good at networking.
29. If not, make close friends with the one who has the biggest network within as well as outside the company.
30. If you keep on doing things you do best, you restrict your chances to improve.
31. Try to get into a comfort zone as soon as possible. Never stay in a comfort zone for long.
32. Hardworking, intelligent, asslicker is as good as it gets.
33. Professional hazards exist everywhere. Don't whine.
34. Its better to be true than humble at times.
35. Take care of your health. You ought to live to reach at the top.
36. Back your men; sun, wind or snow.
37. And the last two things. a) Never share everything you know. b).....