Much of today's business is done by teams and people are judged on the basis of their teamwork. Negative and positive attitudes are infectious, so project a positive attitude about your work and the people with whom you work. Build a reputation Your reputation is a very valuable asset. It takes a long time to build, but it is easily damaged. From the outside, the petroleum industry appears to be an immense global industry, but you will be amazed at the community of interwoven personal linkages.
Networks grow ever tighter with e-mail, faxes, and improved global transportation.
There are tight little cliques inside each specialty and sub-specialty. People know each other. Even if they haven't met, principal players are familiar with the reputations of their counterparts worldwide. Long term relationships are prized everywhere. Assume that every relationship will be a long-term one.