We’re running a story on our wire about the new book by Hearst Magazines chief Cathie Black , but as usual, there was just too much for us to cram into one article.

“Basic Black , The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life)” is part memoir, part mentor-style manual for navigating the corporate world.

The memoir includes anecdotes about Al Neuharth , the legendarily eccentric and scary USA Today founder who hired her, and Rupert Murdoch , who employed her as publisher of New York magazine. She told me a bit about Murdoch in an interview this week:

He’s not about smalltalk… It’s what his personality is about. If we had a budget meeting with Rupert, my office the night before would look like a world war had been there. … He’d flip right to page 17 or whatever the weakest part of the budget was. He was like a homing pigeon — he’d find the weakest part.

Also throughout the book, which came out this week, are 80 one-liners that boil down her lessons on work, life and work-life. Here are 10:

*It is easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission

* Keep your brain working, even if your head’s on the chopping block

* You can take it or leave it, but don’t fear criticism

* Know the difference between professional and personal provocation

* You can be strong without being obnoxious

* Lead with affection (but don’t call it that at the office)

* Power = knowing you don’t have to throw bombs

* Don’t wield fear as a weapon

* Use fear as a launching pad

* Don’t be afraid to bust someone

We like the last one.

(Photo courtesy of: Crown Business)