The Secret Ingredients to Corporate Success

Learn the game rules

• Know the players, the opinion makers, the kings and dukes
• Learn their history in the organization / their agenda
• Get a grip on what they are really trying to achieve
• Understand what is interesting and valuable for them

Learn how to maneuver

• It is OK to take one step back in order to take three steps forward
• Be flexible and not too idealistic
• Be patient

Learn to be realistic

• Focus your activities where you can measure business benefits
• You will never clean up the IT shop
• Its OK for stakeholders not to agree on everything - only on the important bits

Learn How to Behave

• Fit your dress code to your role and audience
• Speak the right language, speak appropriately and know the buzz words
• Act with honesty and integrity

Learn to Lobby

• Try to get an 80% approval of your topic before asking for a decision
• Decision makers don't like surprises

Learn to sell the value

• Incrementally sell the overall picture
• Build trust relationships
• Bring to decision makers what they find exciting
• Senior managers are politicians