BIG RULES

Some big rules for a Silicon Valley Warrior

You should accept obscurity. You'll operate best when you are not noticed.

Don't make it about yourself, money or title. The time to negotiate all that is when going in. The let it go. Clients will resent it if they think you have to be bought. Besides, freedom comes from not being tied by title, grade or salary.

Always be prepared for the severance of your relationship. When you or the client calls "time" get out with dignity but leave quickly. If you are good at this you'll always be working yourself out of job.

Don't take offense. Stay above personal comments. Someone may well slander you but, if you are acting honestly, you have to not care.

Don't operate by a score card or performance appraisal. Grading of your performance by others is not relevant unless you choose to let this be so and then you are caged.

If the major part of your job drifts into an area where you are either weak or not enjoying the work, try to get back to what you do well. If you can't get back, get out. Staying will diminish your skills.

Don't try to win in big meetings. Do the bulk of your work by meeting with people one on one. Most people want to "shine" in big meetings. There is often someone who will try to take you down. If it takes one-hundred 1.1's to influence an outcome, it will be worth the effort.

Everything is relationships. Make enemies as often as you would want surgery.

Be patient. Influencing great outcomes is like kicking 55 yard field goals. You won't make half of them. Accept that. But you will make some and that is what is key. When you score it will count. Your opponents will never know what hit them. They may not even know that it was you who kicked the ball.

Use people for their strengths. Don't beat them up for their weaknesses.

Accept failure and move on. Defeat is often the path to victory.