Whether they've got increased responsibilities, new colleagues, or a brand new job, managers and specialists are bound to face unfamiliar situations. Although most smart professionals eventually adapt to new circumstances on their own, the truly savvy ones know that value of "street smarts", the ability to assess environments quickly and make adjustments--both subtle and radical--on the fly. This timely book is a must read for professionals who want a portable skill set they can use in any situation and within any organization. With frank insights on the realities of professional interaction, the book helps readers to: * Work in unfamiliar situations with an inquiring and strategic mind * Use universal skills across industries, work sectors, and cultures * Influence organizational outcomes and change the status quo Plus mini-cases, tools, and challenging exercises will help professionals get in shape for the actual games of organizational life.