I just got done reading Business 2.0’s article on Raytheon CEO Bill Swanson’s Unwritten Rules for Management.  I love these rules.  They are straightforward and timeless.  So straightforward in fact, that they ring true for anyone who has been around the block a few times.  In fact, I think I can recall learning each and every one of these rules in my career…most of them the hard way.

(By the way, if you want a printed copy for yourself go here and Raytheon will send you one.)

1. Learn to say, “I don’t know.” If used when appropriate, it will be often.
2. It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
3. If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
4. Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what’s there, but few can see what isn’t there.
5. Viewgraph rule: When something appears on a viewgraph (an overhead transparency), assume the world knows about it, and deal with it accordingly.
6. Work for a boss with whom you are comfortable telling it like it is. Remember that you can’t pick your relatives, but you can pick your boss.
7. Constantly review developments to make sure that the actual benefits are what they are supposed to be. Avoid Newton’s Law.
8. However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
9. 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.
10. In completing a project, don’t wait for others; go after them, and make sure it gets done.
11. Confirm your instructions and the commitments of others in writing. Don’t assume it will get done!
12. Don’t be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.
13. Practice shows that those who speak the most knowingly and confidently often end up with the assignment to get it done.
14. Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written reports.
15. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
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.

17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.

- You must make promises. Don’t lean on the often-used phrase, “I can’t estimate it because it depends upon many uncertain factors.”

18. Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to “cc” a person’s boss.
19. When dealing with outsiders, remember that you represent the company. Be careful of your commitments.
20. Cultivate the habit of “boiling matters down” to the simplest terms. An elevator speech is the best way.
21. Don’t get excited in engineering emergencies. Keep your feet on the ground.
22. Cultivate the habit of making quick, clean-cut decisions.
23. When making decisions, the pros are much easier to deal with than the cons.Your boss wants to see the cons also.
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.

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Directionless?  Can’t seem to get traction with your company, project or personal life?  Need to express your purpose?  Want to share what you believe with the world (your clients, friends and/or family) in a clear, articulate and highly passionate way?  Well then, I have piece of advice for you NOT to follow:  write a mission statement.

Perhaps that’s too harsh.  I mean, the basic concept behind writing a mission statement is sound enough -
create a shared statement that can direct your employees, partners and ultimately your customers.  A clear statement of purpose can help to clarify both individual and group roles.  It can help to reinvigorate an organization.  It can help differentiate you from your competitors.

A poor mission statement, however, can do the exact opposite.  It can infuse a company/organization with uncertainly and confusion while contributing to a general malaise among the rank and file.  Although I don’t believe it was completely intentional, Man on a Mission catalogues some wonderfully bland examples of what should be corporate rallying cries.  What could be bangs, most are mostly wimpers.

Decide for yourself.

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