Gray Matters: Politics

Another section of the book that resonated with me was the chapter on politics -- good and bad. Sherman Fox, the book's "creative marketing guy," says, "Work always gets two grades. One for quality, one for politics." He goes on to outline his not-ten commandments for selling ideas without making enemies:

• Listen to everyone and let them know you heard them.
• Explain the reasons for your decisions.
• Explain how your idea helps the organization -- not just you.
• Timing is everything.
• Never surprise people (especially the boss).
• Never burn bridges.
• Be consistent.
• Identify at least one ally for every idea you have.

Good advice, especially given Sunday's Boston Globe article about how out-of-the-box thinking is now out of style -- and how innovative thinkers are increasingly silenced and marginalized in this prickly economy.