By Shane Parrish via farnamstreetblog.com Article
The Unwritten Rules of Management
“William Swanson’s unwritten rules of management is full of pithy advice. Swanson is the Chairman and CEO of Raytheon. …
- Learn to say, “I don’t know.” If used when appropriate, it will be often.
- It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
- If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
- Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what’s there, but few can see what isn’t there. …
- Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere in spite of difficulties, discouragement, or indifference. Don’t be known as a good starter but a poor finisher. …
- Don’t overlook the fact that you are working for a boss. Keep him or her informed. Whatever the boss wants, within the bounds of integrity, takes top priority. …
- Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to “cc” a person’s boss on a copy of a complaint before the person has a chance to respond to the complaint. …
- When making decisions, the “pros” are much easier to deal with than the “cons.” Your boss wants to see them both.
- Don’t ever lose your sense of humor. …
- Beg for the bad news.
- You remember 1/3 of what you read, 1/2 of what people tell you, but 100% of what you feel. …
- When faced with decisions, try to look at them as if you were one level up in the organization. Your perspective will change quickly.
- A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter — or to others — is not a nice person. (This rule never fails.)”
