Some Basic Rules
I’ve just re-read Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance? by Louis Gernster and there’s a simple set of rules Louis sent out to his executive team upon joining IBM. The rules really resonate with me and so I’ve crafted my own set of rules - heavily based on Louis’ ones.
- I manage by principle, not procedure.
- The marketplace/customer dictates everything we should do.
- I’m a big believer in quality, strong competitive strategies and plans, teamwork, payoff for performance, and ethical responsibility.
- I look for people who work to solve problems and help colleagues.
- I sack politicians.
- I operate on facts and evidence - no folklore or spin.
- Just keep me informed in an informal way. Don’t hide bad information—I hate surprises. Don’t try to blow things by me. Solve problems laterally; don’t keep bringing them up the line.
- I focus on strengths and building high performance by bringing strengths together to be effective.
- Move fast. If we make mistakes, let them be because we are too fast rather than too slow.
- Hierarchy means very little to me. Let’s put together in meetings the people who can help solve a problem, regardless of position. Reduce committees and meetings to a minimum. No committee decision making.
- Let’s have lots of candid, straightforward communications.