20 workplace truisms for up-and-comers

Once in a great while, experience teaches us a lesson that can only be described as an axiom or a truism. It just is. You can try to understand its origins or debate its basis in theory, but if you ask me, that's just a waste of time. You're better off just taking it at face value and benefiting from its implications.

Keep in mind, these are real-world observations perceived through a highly subjective filter I call a brain that's been influenced by all sorts of people from Sigmund Freud and Sun Tzu to Ayn Rand and Mark McCormack. In other words, if they make sense to you, well, let's just say great minds think alike.

20 workplace truisms for up-and comers

Know-it-alls don't.

You're not in control -- deal with it.

Most people are dysfunctional, the rest just don't know it.

You're not taking enough risks.

Greed isn't good, competition is.

It's okay to be a jerk if you're always right.

If you're alwaysblaming others and making excuses, you're never accountable.

One person's work nemesis is another person's top performer.

Don't drink the Kool-Aid, especially not your own.

Confront the issue, not the person.

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Work is about business, not you.

The real you is how others see you, not how you see yourself.

Business is about winning, not win-win.

Nobody likes a chronic complainer.

Customers and shareholders are more important than employees.

Conflict can be constructive, anger never is.

The virtual bird doesn't get to eat any worms.

When everything's going amazingly great, you're in big trouble.

When you're in big trouble, it can still get worse.

Fear is a great motivator. It's sad but true.

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As a bonus, I'll give you the one tip you need to be successful at work and in business: Learn to sell, schmooze, and negotiate. Seriously.

If you've got an original workplace truism to share, be sure to let us all in on it. But no plagiarizing. If you've got an appetite for more of this stuff, check out 20 powerful management truisms.