The Curriculum

About the Author

Stanley Bing, a seasoned corporate strategist and humorist, is well-known for his columns in Fortune magazine and his best-selling books on business and corporate strategy. By day, Bing is a top executive in a major multinational corporation, which adds a layer of authenticity and insight to his writings. His unique blend of practical advice and humor makes his work both engaging and enlightening.

Main Idea

The Curriculum: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Master of Business Arts by Stanley Bing is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of business. It covers essential skills and knowledge required to succeed in the corporate world, from fabricating a business personality to strategic thinking and crisis management. Bing uses his vast experience and wit to present practical strategies that can help individuals achieve power, happiness, and wealth in their professional lives.

Table of Contents

1. Not Appearing Stupid
2. Fabricating a Business Personality
3. Selling, Marketing, and Negotiating
4. Managing
5. Group Dynamics
6. Fundamentals of Power
7. Strategic Thinking
8. On Branding Yourself
9. Crisis Management
10. Electronic Communications
11. Crazy People
12. Friends, Enemies, and Frenemies
13. A Short Course in Ethics
14. Boondoggles and Other Opportunities for Public Humiliation
15. No Guts, No Glory

Not Appearing Stupid

The workplace is unforgiving to those who appear stupid. Bing emphasizes the importance of mastering basic business English and maintaining confidence. Clear communication is key. Say what you mean and avoid jargon unless necessary. The best way to avoid looking stupid is simple: don’t do stupid things.

"Mastering the elements of nonstupid discourse is crucial for business success." - Stanley Bing

In this chapter, Bing provides practical advice on how to communicate effectively in the business world. He emphasizes the importance of clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and maintaining a confident demeanor. According to Bing, mastering these elements can significantly enhance one's professional image and prevent misunderstandings.

• Use clear and declarative sentences.
• Avoid unnecessary complexity in communication.
• Conceal your ignorance by not discussing topics you don’t understand.

Fabricating a Business Personality

Bing advises that to succeed in business, one must develop a functional business personality. This involves grooming, costume, choice of hardware, work habits, substance abuse management, approach to aggression, and handling craziness.

"Conforming to cultural and pre-established personal expectations is essential." - Stanley Bing

Bing explains that creating a business persona is essential for career advancement. He outlines various aspects that contribute to this persona, including appearance, behavior, and communication style. By carefully crafting and maintaining a professional image, individuals can navigate the corporate world more effectively and build a reputation for reliability and competence.

• Develop a professional grooming and dress code.
• Use up-to-date technology that reflects your professional status.
• Manage your work habits to be organized and responsive.

Selling, Marketing, and Negotiating

Selling, marketing, and negotiating are intertwined skills crucial for business success. Selling involves persuading others to part with their money, while marketing helps sell things people don't necessarily need. Negotiation is the art of bargaining and making deals.

"You can't have marketing without sales or sales without marketing, and you can't close a deal you can't negotiate." - Stanley Bing

This chapter delves into the interconnected nature of selling, marketing, and negotiating. Bing emphasizes that these skills are vital for any business professional. Effective selling involves understanding customer needs and persuading them to make a purchase. Marketing, on the other hand, focuses on creating demand for products and services. Negotiating is the skill that ties everything together, allowing professionals to reach mutually beneficial agreements.