Top 10 Tips from Playing to Win in Business

My career began as a nurse and years later I was honored to be Mayo Clinic's first female Chief Administrative Officer in its 150-year history. Along the way, I worked in a variety of challenging leadership roles as an innovator and thought leader, transforming organizations and growing profits.

My career was successful because I realized early on that business is a game with rules, both written and unwritten. These business principles govern who gets promoted and who is overlooked. Many of these rules are difficult for women to uncover -- especially as they climb the ladder into management, administration and high-level leadership positions.

Here are the Top 10 that I would like to share with you.Shirley A. Weis, Author of Playing to Win in Business

One of the things you have to see clearly is that the corporate world is all a game. The sooner that you realize that, the more time you have to prepare for what is ahead of you. It begins while you are still in college if you plan to rise in the ranks where women are beginning to tread more often. – Shirley Weis

Tip 1 It’s All a Big Game

In order to be able to play a game, you have to know the rules. There are all kinds of rules- formal rules, informal rules, house rules, family rules, your children or grandchildren’s rules, school’s rules, etc. In order to be successful, you not only have to learn what the rules are, but you have to follow them, or pay a penalty. – Shirley Weis

Tip 2 The Golden Rule

Most large organizations have some sort of policies and procedures manual. As you read the manual and understand the written rules, realize that they are only half of the rules you need to know. These are the formal Rules- the Rules with the big “R”. There are also less formal, unwritten rules, or rules with a little “r”. Sometimes these unwritten rules are more important than the formal Rules. – Shirley Weis

Tip 3 Big “R” and little “r” Rules

If you do not know the rules, you are going to make a mistake, especially if it is a culture where people do not help you with the rules. So little things like going into a meeting room and sitting in someone else’s chair, can have a negative impact. – Shirley Weis

Tip 4 Become A Dispassionate Observer

An example of an unwritten rule that can help you get ahead is how you dress. If you want to climb to a higher position, always dress for the next job you want. How do you determine what type of clothing to wear? Look around, and pay attention- this is the key to learning all of the unwritten rules within an organization. – Shirley Weis

Tip 5 Dress the Part

In some organizations, there is a formal chain of command an employee should follow, but in other organizations it is less formal. In some others, it may non-existent while in others there may be what is written and then what the real power structure is. It is essential not only to know what is the chain of command, but also to know under what circumstances you should go to a superior with an issue. – Shirley Weis

Tip 6 Know the Chain of Command

The environment you are playing in is as important as having the skills to win. Every place has a set of rules that you need to be aware of, and play by. You cannot assume anything; you have to pay attention to where you are, who is there, and what your place is. You have to be careful not be begin playing until you are sure of the rules.– Shirley Weis

Tip 7 Know Where YOU Are Playing the Game

There are definite sacrifices that a man or a woman have to make if they want to climb up the leadership ladder. Many people are not willing to give up certain aspects of their lives. There is no judgment here; rather it is an explanation of whymany very well educated and skilled women never “lean in” to become a leader in a company. Being a leader means you have to channel a great deal of your time and energy into the work environment often at the cost of family, friends and other interests. – Shirley Weis

Tip 8 Babies

I have had my share of being in many meetings where I am the only woman in the room. I grew up with four brothers, so I am pretty tough. I understand that men can be brutal to one another, and engage in a lot of “trash talk” where they are teasing each other. Some women can be offended and not able to handle that type of roughhousing. They may feel they are being picked on or bullied. I remind myself of where I am and if the workplace is male dominated, I can expect some of this sort of talk and behavior. – Shirley Weis

Tip 9 Sense of Humor

It takes grit and perseverance to win the game, because knowing the rules, having talent, and showing up is not enough. You have to really SHOW UP, if you intend to win. – Shirley Weis

Tip 10 Grit and Perseverance

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