Bill Swanson’s ’25 Unwritten Rules of Management’

This article on Bill Swanson’s ’25 Unwritten Rules of Management’ is a must read piece. Reading these just might help you understand how to be a better leader, manager, or associate. Here’s my favorites, in order:

16. Don’t overlook the fact that you are working for a boss.
* Keep him or her informed. Avoid surprises!
* Whatever the boss wants takes top priority.

My Thoughts:
This is so important, and yet so many people overlook it. The more in the loop you keep you direct supervisor, the more they can shield you from the other stuff that can slow you down. And surprises SUCK! I hate being surprised, and I try my best to never surprise my boss. I’m not perfect, but I’d rather overshare than undershare. This goes for my direct reports too, as I hate surprising them. I’d rather underpromise and overdeliver than surprise them.

24. Don’t ever lose your sense of humor.
25. Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.

My Thoughts:
Fun is always important, and being able to laugh at yourself will never go out of style. I laugh harder at my mistakes than I do at jokes, and that helps others be unafraid to take risks and try unorthodox things.

12. Don’t be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.

My Thoughts:
Does this really need to be said? Obviously it does, so make sure you do this. Shy people get run over. Speak up and tell me what you think. If you don’t say it, I don’t know it. Same goes for other people. Nobody has ESP anymore. Don’t forget it!

I really hope you read the list. It’s a great list. And ultimately, much of it boils down to communicating clearly and effectively, having a positive attitude, and trusting those around you, yourself, and anyone you work with.

This great list and complete article was originally published at Business 2.0. You can read the full article (PDF version)  here

Make it a great day!
Phil

Phil Gerbyshak

http://makeitgreat.org