Cheat to Win: The Honest Way to Break All the Dishonest Rules in Business

The main lesson of this provocatively tilted book is not to be unethical and fraudulent, but ""the only way to be honest with yourself and others is to go against the dishonest rules that are imposed on us by others."" MacDonald applies this philosophy to standard business book fare-negotiating business and job offers, moving up the ladder, dealing with and trumping intimidating associates-but urges readers to challenge the established rules, come up with creative solutions, take initiative and always ask ""Why?"" He includes an intriguing chapter on how women are especially adept at this approach, as they are generally considered outsiders in the business world. Backed by over 40 years in the insurance industry as president, CEO and founder of ITT Life and LifeUSA, MacDonald's first book (Control Your Future) dealt specifically with that industry and the pioneering management style he developed. This book, while drawing its examples from the insurance industry, is applicable to nearly any business endeavor. Though long-winded at times, MacDonald peppers his strategies and advice with off-beat humor (""I received two job offers-one to sell caskets, the other life insurance door-to-door. Maybe I should have thought about doing both, and I really could have made a killing.""), strengthening the book's appeal to laymen.