Odds-n-Ends . Volume 04 | Issue 07

Break Into the Winner’s Circle Break These Ten Commandments

Are you a winner or a loser? Losers follow a pattern that resembles the ten-step scenario below. Check the steps to see if they are part of your standard operating procedure. If they are, look out! You may be headed for a deepfreeze.

  • Always have an excuse. Develop a series of phrases and rehearse them regularly so you’ll always have one ready when needed. Example: “My car wouldn’t start,” “I didn’t have time,” or “The customer made a mistake.” Never be caught speechless when it comes to making excuses for yourself.
  • Never stand out from the pack. Losers know that it is important to be invisible. Vanilla is their favorite flavor. Never call attention to yourself. Look, act and work the way you really are mediocre.
  • Keep your eye on the competition. Think and breathe the competition. Know all about them – their weaknesses, their opportunities, their problems and their needs. Never think about your customers.
  • Avoid taking risks at all costs. Risk taking is extremely dangerous. You may either fail or succeed. Either one will put you in great jeopardy. Risk takers lead the pack by always wanting to test themselves. They’re never satisfied with their performances -they want to do better. Such things make you shudder.
  • Never let yourself become enthusiastic. If you do, you will want to do more, become more deeply involved in your work, and place your company, co-workers and customers ahead of yourself.
  • Always put yourself first. Before you agree to anything, ask yourself this question: “What’s in it for me?” If something requires extra time and effort, it could lead to more sales, increased productivity and higher profits for your company. By putting yourself first, all these problems are avoided.
  • If something goes wrong, blame someone. This is very important. Taking responsibility only makes you more valuable. You may even come to be viewed as a leader.
  • Spend a lot of time second-guessing the boss. This is your real job – a top priority. By never showing any initiative, you are guaranteed a permanent position at the bottom of the ladder.
  • Never learn anything new. Knowledge is dangerous! It means you will become a problem-solver. If this happens, customers will view you as essential to their success and your company will give you regular promotions.
  • If all else fails, say “I don’t know.” The less you know the better off you are. Whenever you’re asked a question, just say, “I don’t know.” You will quickly become what you are – useless.