Harnessing Ancient Wisdom for Workplace Success
| I’m a huge fan of Robert Greene’s books. He is meticulous in his research, and the way he presents his ideas is also very entertaining. |
| Greene will research moments in history where one of his laws of power, seduction, mastery, and even war was prevalent. He then takes you to that moment in time and walks you through how the law was in action. |
| The stories are hugely entertaining, and motivating at the same time |
| While most stories almost seem like parables, they’re anchored in our basic human tendencies – always a fascinating subject. His best book in my opinion is The 48 Laws of Power. Focusing on strategic acumen can help everyone deal with colleagues, friends, and loved ones better. |
| Today in modern business, strategic acumen is a valuable asset. |
| “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene, a compendium of timeless strategies, offers a trove of insights for the contemporary professional. |
| Let’s explore how these ancient pearls of wisdom can be applied ethically and effectively in your daily work routine. |
| Relevant Laws for Business |
| Among Greene’s laws, certain principles stand out for their applicability in the business realm: |
| Win Through Actions, Not Argument (Law 9): Replace endless pitches and debates with demonstrable results. Showcasing your achievements beats merely talking about potential. My interpretation of this rule is in essence – building your brand, and fully aligned with my book on the topic, Remarkable You. My advice is to stop telling your friends about all of the exciting things you’re GOING to do and do them Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky (Law 10): Your professional circle significantly influences your mindset. Align with positive, forward-thinking individuals to foster a conducive environment for success. This is a lay-up. Cut the toxic people from your life. Appeal to People’s Self-Interest (Law 13): Tailor your propositions to address the needs and interests of clients and colleagues, thus enhancing your influence and effectiveness. Simple – help those in your circle. A basic tenant of this newsletter. Isolation is Dangerous (Law 18): Networking is not just a buzzword; it’s a business lifeline. Collaborate, seek feedback, and stay connected. We need people. Full stop. Concentrate Your Forces (Law 23): Focus drives results. Channel your resources effectively to achieve your goals.“The man who chases two rabbits catches neither” – Confucious |
| Applying the Laws Ethically |
| Ethical application is key. Respect mentors (Law 1), empower trust (Law 2), align actions with words (Law 3), and focus on adding value (Law 4). Building a positive team environment (Law 7) and avoiding deceitful tactics (Law 12) are crucial. Strive for honesty and transparency (Law 45) and commit fully to your actions (Law 28). |
| Daily Implementation |
| Integrating these laws into daily routines involves: |
| Regularly assessing the impact of your actions.Cultivating positive professional relationships.Aligning daily tasks with broader business objectives.Seeking feedback and staying adaptable. |
| Benefits and Pitfalls |
| The advantages of applying these laws include enhanced strategic thinking, improved decision-making, and better leadership. However, be wary of misinterpretation and misuse, which can lead to ethical quandaries and reputational damage. |
| The provides a framework for strategic thinking and action in business. By ethically applying and adapting these laws, you can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with greater savvy and success. |
| If you haven’t read the book, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy. It’s a big book – so you may want to consider downloading Audible and getting the audiobook. |
| Keep up the good work, |
| Chris |
| Harnessing Ancient Wisdom for Workplace Success |
Chris Dessi
View More PostsChief Revenue Officer, Diamond Standard, Co.
