Gunjan Doshi

I like Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management. I try to revisit these rules once every few weeks. There is lot of wisdom in these rules; each rule is a gem in itself. Here is my most favorite one:
When faced with decisions, try to look at them as if you were one level up in the organization. Your perspective will change quickly: This rule comes in very handy when you do not understand or disagree with your manager’s stand or priorities or projects. Remember, this rule is not about compromising your stand but it is about widening your horizons.
Now, when I disagree with my manager, I try to take a step back and put myself in my manager’s position. This approach has always enriched my discussions and created fulfilling decisions. For e.g.: recently, a senior executive asked me if it was possible to allocate resources to help someone. My projects were already short-staffed and saying yes to his proposition was tough. This rule came to my mind and I tried to put myself in his position. Immediately, his stand became clear to me and helped me think more strategically from company’s perspective and not from departmental perspective. This is just a solo example of where this rule has come in handy. I have lost count of times, when this rule has proved priceless.

What is your favorite rule? If you have not read Swanson’s unwritten rules, continue reading, I have typed them up.

For your reference here is the list of Bill Swanson’s ‘25 Unwritten Rules of Management’ (Taken from here and also directly typed from the book).

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, 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. Whatever the boss wants, within the bounds of integrity takes top priority.
17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.
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.
26. Treat the name of your company as if it were your own.
27. Beg for bad news.
28. You remember 1/3 of what you read, 1/2 of what people tell you, but 100 percent of what you feel.
29. You can’t polish a sneaker.
30. When facing issues or problems that are becoming drawn out, “short them to ground.”
31. When faced with decisions, try to look at them as if you were one level up in the organization. Your perspective will change quickly.
32. A person who is nice to you but rude to the watiter is not a nice person.
33. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, an amateur built an ark that survived a flood while a large group of professionals built the Titanic!

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