You've been lied to about how success works.
They told you to work hard, be nice, and wait your turn. They said if you just put your head down and delivered great results, recognition would follow. They promised that being a good person was enough.
How's that working out for you?
If you're reading this book, chances are you already know the answer. You're talented, hardworking, and genuinely care about doing the right thing. Yet somehow, less qualified people keep getting promoted above you. Your contributions go unnoticed while louder voices claim the spotlight. You watch manipulators and narcissists rise to the top while you're stuck in the same position, year after year.
Here's what nobody wants to admit: being good at your job isn't enough. Being a good person isn't enough. In the real world, perception beats performance nine times out of ten. The people who get ahead understand this. They know the hidden rules of influence that your parents, teachers, and mentors never taught you—probably because they didn't know them either.