Can someone give me some advice or some books or websites on how to play the corporate game? What are the games you need to know for a man to make it to the top and what games do you need to know for a women to make to the top of the corporate latter? Thanks...

A proper grasp of the English language would be an excellent starting point...

Just busting your chops. Go buy the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. There are some excellent lessons that can be applied to business and relationships.

There is a book from Napolean Hill, it's called "Think & Grow Rich".

The premise is that the universe will provide anything to anybody that is willing to give up everything else to achieve their goal, and nothing more.

Statistics are that if you are an employee in a job, you have a 14% chance of being a millionaire.... if you are a self-imployed you have an 85-86% chance. Even though, chance is not chance in that the ones that succeed planned for what they got.

To get where you want in the corporate game, is first figure out what you want. What you will be doing in return for what you want (MONEY!)? Then to make a personalized resume for that company explaining what you will do for them. All should be personalized as much as possible, and be willing to offer your services for a 'free trial period'. Have an income in mind, and when asked tell them what you are worth!!!!! That little indecision has probably made the difference between a job with a future, and just a job.

Read that book.

Playing games won't make you successful in business any more than pickup lines will make you more of a "Don Juan." All companies are a bit different with regard to advancement and compensation. It's important to find a company where you will be more likely to be happy and reach your own definition of success.

If you are just starting out, it almost doesn't matter where you go, since you will still be figuring out your own strengths and interests. You'll get a better idea of where you'd be happy after you've worked in a few different companies.

Don't dismiss options outside of corporate America, either. Many millionaires got to where they are by starting businesses that seem mundane, like laundromat chains and mail order gardening tools. You won't find many B-school graduates competing in these areas.

D'Anconia was absolutely correct when he raised the issue of spelling and grammar. Communication is the fundamental skill in any business, whether you're self-employed or climbing "the corporate latter [sic]." Others' perception of your competence will be heavily influenced by your ability to write and speak clearly. If you were the boss, would you entrust a critical job position to someone who wasn't detailed enough to know the differences between "their", "they're", and "there"?

Since so much corporate communication happens through e-mail nowadays, I recommend keeping a bookmark to dictionary.com and looking up every word that you are about to use but aren't 100% sure of its correct spelling or meaning. Also, get a copy of The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers or a similar book and apply the same mindset with regard to grammar.


Here's my short list of recommended business books

Getting Things Done, by David Allen
A great system for becoming more productive. This has helped me immensely.

Growing a Business, by Paul Hawken
Written for people looking to start a business from scratch, but contains insight for anyone in a management position.

The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White
The bible for writing succinctly. Also available on-line.


Some very good articles from a Bay Area career coach:

http://www.martynemko.com/articles.shtm



Victory

_______________

He's got to make his own mistakes
And learn to mend the mess he makes
He's old enough to know what's right
But young enough not to choose it
He's noble enough to win the world
But weak enough to lose it

-- Rush, New World Man

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_4/104-7969651-5759944?v=glance&s=books

Office Politics. Steele is part snake oil salesman, part kick-in-the-balls blunt. Entertaining and thought provoking all the same.