Page 109 - Executive Warfare

Peers

Or, if you’re considered really good with the finances of your business,
and there begin to be some financial mistakes in your area, the worst of
your peers will find a way to make sure that the top of the house hears
about them.
When I was fighting for my first senior management jobs, I was con-
sidered an outgoing personality, someone a lot of people at all levels of
the organization felt they could relate to. But no question, I was very
direct. So a few of my peers began accusing me of being rude and disre-
spectful to the people I managed, my bosses began making noises about
it, and it threatened to put a crimp in my upward flight.
You are going to take dents like this. While you can’t escape taking
them, you can’t afford to take too many. So how do you fight back?

CAREFULLY REMOVE ALL TATTOOS
To fight against ugly rumors, you first have to know what’s being said
about you. That’s not always easy. Usually, the higher you get, the more
cringing yes-men you have around you. First, be smart. Place some of
your trust in people who will tell you
when your face is dirty, as well as when
it’s clean. BE SMART. PLACE
Second, do not give your enemies any SOME OF YOUR
excuses. Do not have that second drink TRUST IN PEOPLE
at an office function. Be discreet. Take WHO WILL TELL
the risk of being somewhat private and YOU WHEN YOUR
unknown, and reveal as little as possible FACE IS DIRTY, AS
about your personal life. Unfair as it is, WELL AS WHEN
women are especially easy marks for IT’S CLEAN.
rumors about their personal behavior
because men still dominate in many
organizations. If a woman is traveling a lot and goes to dinner every night
with the same person of the opposite sex, that is fuel for her enemies.

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