The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace

- NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER - USA TODAY BESTSELLER - CHICAGO SUN-TIMES BESTSELLER For many, work has never seemed harder. In tough economic times, and the aftermath of hiring freezes and layoffs, people are asked to do the same amount of work with reduced resources, sometimes even for reduced benefits and pay. Many employees feel unrecognized and underrewarded, with studies showing workplace dissatisfaction at record highs. But what if the things that are currently making you unhappy simply lost their power over you? What if you could go to work feeling energetic and excited, regardless of any external circumstances? What does it take to be valued, appreciated—even a favorite at the office? More than anything else, your satisfaction and success at work depend on understanding exactly how you are evaluated, and your annual performance review doesn't tell the whole story. The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace goes beyond guesswork to reveal a formula for understanding how your manager calculates your value to the organization. Based on her research with more than 50,000 people, Cy Wakeman reveals a formula for measuring your current performance, your future potential, and your "emotional expense"—the toll your actions and attitudes take on the people around you, which is your single biggest detractor. Only once you know your true score can you improve it. With Cy's clear, straight-to-the-point advice, you can quickly boost your value to your manager and colleagues. You will become an invaluable team member, and even learn to love your job again. Building on the revolutionary lessons of Reality-Based Leadership, Cy's first book for leaders and managers, this new book shares practical, real-world advice for how anyone can quickly become a highly valued, sought-after employee and teammate. The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace is the essential guide for boosting your value, owning your career, and becoming the kind of employee no organization can afford to lose.

CY WAKEMAN is a dynamic speaker, business consultant, author, and trainer. Her first book, Reality-Based Leadership, is a straightforward and practical guide for leaders who want to reduce office drama and improve personal accountability with their teams. She holds a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers' Association and received the 2012 Outstanding Leadership Award from the World HRD Congress in Mumbai. For more information, please visit www.cywakeman.com.

Introduction: The New Rules of the Game 1 Part One The New Value Equation 15 1 Your Current Performance 17 2 Your Future Potential 37 3 Your Emotional Expensiveness 61 Part Two The Five Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace 75 4 Rule #1: Your Level of Accountability Determines Your Level of Happiness, so Don't Hope to Be LUCKY. CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY 77 5 Rule #2: Suffering is Optional, so DITCH THE DRAMA! 97 6 Rule #3: Buy-In is Not Optional. YOUR ACTION, NOT OPINION, ADDS VALUE. 123 7 Rule #4: Say ''Yes'' to What's Next. CHANGE IS OPPORTUNITY. 137 8 Rule #5: You Will Always Have Extenuating Circumstances. SUCCEED ANYWAY. 149 Call to Action Put the New Rules to Work 165 Notes 173 Acknowledgments 175 About the Author 179 Index 181