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8 Laws to Advance Your Career

8 Laws to Advance Your Career

Secrets from a banned book that nobody told you about

Giammarco Pacifico
March 13, 2024

Have you ever thought about how people get ahead in their careers? Why do some people have it easier than others?

The reason is that some of them know how to play their cards better and make the most of human instincts to come ahead, whether they do it intentionally or not.

If you think these rules are unspoken or kept secret from the masses, you’d be wrong. Human behaviours have been studied for centuries and laid out for us to learn.

In today’s post, I’ll share with you 8 Laws that you can use in your career from the book 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green.

The book is without a doubt controversial, as it explores deep instincts of human psychology that can be used for different purposes.

Despite its reputation (this book is banned in prisons), you should think of it as no more than a tool that you can use for good or to manipulate. Even if you don’t plan on using any of these techniques, knowing these laws will help you not be at their mercy.

Law 1: Never Outshine the Master

Robert Green calls it “The worst mistake of all”.

By displaying your skills and talent in front of your boss, you will get appraisals in public while, fueled by their insecurities, they’ll start looking for a less intelligent, less attractive and less threatening person to replace you.

Everybody says they want to hire smart people and let them do what they know best. The reality is far from it so be aware of subtle behaviours.

The way to deal with this is to ask your boss for advice even if you already know what to do. Someone in a position of power who cannot share their experience will direct rancour towards people who are too independent - people in charge like to have other people depend on them.

If you get any public appraisal, ascribe your success to your boss as an echo of his learning and mentorship.

Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary

Common people speak a lot and always try to justify themselves. They try to impress others with words or use arguments to win a debate.

Silence makes people uncomfortable so learning how to wait in silence will make you appear more powerful than you are. Most people will feel the urge to fill the void with additional comments or unnecessary thoughts that will do nothing more than benefit you.

If you’re in a meeting, try to speak last. Take your time to craft your thoughts and if you’re replying to someone, make sure your words are clear and swift. Nothing more screams lack of power than lengthy and convoluted replies.

Law 9: Win Through Actions, Not Arguments

We have all been taught to use logic and facts to win arguments. The reality is that, unless you are in a tribunal, winning a debate with valid arguments will only be to your own detriment. Especially if you’re debating your superior.

Why? The resentment they’ll feel towards you will be much stronger than any temporary change of mind. And if they are in a position of power, more times than not they’ll make sure to go back to their way of doing things behind your back.

The next time people politely agree with you in public watch carefully for future acts of resentment and you’ll discover their true nature.

Instead, show the faults in their arguments through actions. Let events play out in front of an audience. Or build up your solution as plan B without telling them.

Law 30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless

Many people wear their hard work as a badge of honour. This is dangerous.

Working hard is a non-negotiable because nothing valuable will be freely handled to you but never share how much effort it took you to achieve something.

We all crave the gratification that comes from sharing our hard work but most people already know that many accomplishments are not easy. Instead, if you make your accomplishment look effortless, people believe you could achieve so much more if you tried harder.

This appearance is a common feat of many startups that try to look the part of a solid company while fighting constant challenges. Just like the duckling that seems to cruise across the pond with ease while incessantly moving its legs beneath the surface.

Law 41: Avoid Stepping into a Great Men’s Shoes

If you succeed someone who achieved great things, focus on creating your own path instead of getting lost in their shadows.

Maybe you just got a promotion or you’re doing some research in the same field as a well-known person who everyone admires.

The best path is to “retire the previous person/methods”. On the one hand, you’ll give that person glory and a way to be remembered by the ones who worked with them while clearing the path for a new way of doing things. Yours.

Nobody has ever accomplished anything by doing the same things as their predecessor. Tim Cook never tried to imitate Steve Jobs and Steve Jobs chose him because he knew he would carve his own path.

Law 10: Avoid the Unlucky

If you’re always spending time with people who complain, you’ll end up complaining a lot. If you spend time with people who are overweight, you have a 57% higher chance of becoming overweight. This has been scientifically proven over many decades and the same goes for misfortune and success.

If you end up in a circle of people who share the same trait, you’ll get infected with the same qualities/sins and you might waste your time to free yourself.

Law 18: Do Not Go in Isolation

Doing anything worthwhile from an ivory tower is a dream of the past.

The only way to live a great life, both personally and professionally is to be friendly with everybody.

First of all, it’s a better way to live (instead of holding grudges and taking everything personally) and you never know who they are or who they will become.

Law 48: Assume the Formless

Most people are rigid: they are only at ease in one environment.

Instead, great people are comfortable in boardrooms, casual meetings with friends, having drinks at a club and watching a Sunday football match.

The objective is not to be fake. It’s about being able to make the most of any opportunity and to engage with people where they are most at ease.

Which of these laws will you start using in your career?

If you enjoyed this issue, share it with someone ready for a career jump.

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