Designing the organization
Go for the business rationale. Don't get misled by heritage, customs, and speciality of the company. Never take anything granted, except for legal reasons. Recognize the personal interest behind all reasoning. Understand how the upward pressure works. Separate importance from loudmouth. Build your own network, never rely (only) on job title, position. Give minor advantages to some people, divide the camp of your opponents. Find the Achilles' heel of the ones going against your advances.