« Back to blog

My 10 Rules

Over the last few years, I've seen quite a few top "X" rules to live/manage/work/etc by, including Clint Eastwood's very amusing and useful "Clint's Rules" (see below) and Go Daddy founder and CEO Bob Parson's Top 16. But perhaps the most notable Top Ten came from a personal associate of mine with whom I worked in my last two companies, Alex Czajkowski. His rules were very influential for me, especially in terms of providing a good framework of core values, and they ultimately provided the impetus to this post. So, I figured it's about time to start a list of my own, at least as it relates to my professional life. While it will no doubt change over time, it's important to start somewhere. So here's my best crack at a Top Ten (in no particular order):

 

1. If you are going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all

This is a big one for me, personally. There's nothing more infuriating than a half-assed effort. It wastes time and energy, and frankly pisses off everyone around you. Your work represents who you are and is a lasting legacy, remember that.

2. We are not our customers

This one I took directly from Alex's list, and it's critical for everyone in a business to remember, but particularly those who have a direct influence on the customer experience (i.e. support, development, marketing, etc). Get in the habit of finding out what your customers want and not making assumptions to that end. No level of understanding, experience or intuition is better than holding constant dialogues with your customers. However, don't forget to balance what customers say with what they do, data-wise, and with the strategic foundations of the business.

3. Incremental improvement is preferred over postponed perfection

Again, another one from Alex's list. This one is indeed more difficult than it may at first appear.  Too often do we get stuck in the ideation and planning phases, and ultimately results are not as great as they should have been. It's important to focus on execution, even if that means your vision isn't fully realised from day one. However, poor planning can also lead to very disastrous results, so finding the balance here is key.

4. Embrace mistakes and learn from them; then move on

Marc Suster, who writes the blog Both Sides of the Table, recently wrote about a quote that has stuck with him throughout his Entrepreneurial and VC careers: "Good judgement comes with experience, but experience comes from bad judgement." I've certainly had my fair share of failures in my short career, but I've always tried to learn from them. Making mistakes is acceptable, but repeating them is not.

5. Never stop learning

There's nothing more dangerous than a stale business mind, and that happens all too often in corporate environments. Challenge yourself. Learn about new methods and ways of thinking. Books, seminars, podcasts, blogs, courses, etc. It will make all the difference.

6. The answer's in the data

The last but most important one I borrowed from Alex's list. The beautiful thing about data is that it tells you almost everything you want to know once you learn how to read it. Build a data culture in your organisation. Limit your use of gut instinct and assumptions when making decisions.

7. Plan for the worst, expect the best

Stay focused on the positive, but don't ignore the negative. Have a solid plan for contingencies and worst-case scenarios, and build this into your strategic framework. You'll find that many of the same dangers ahead are shared by your competitors. Acknowledging them and planning can be a huge competitive advantage.

8. Never forget those who got you here

No one succeeds alone. Whether it's managers, staff, friends, or family, you are more dependant than you may think. Always remember the network of people who helped you accomplish success, and thank them. And no, not in the Oscar-winner's-long-list-of-names format. Remember and thank them properly.

9. Find balance in life

I'm guilty of learning this lesson the hard way. All work and no play does indeed make Jack a dull boy. There are things more important and more lasting than work alone, so find ways to balance everything that is meaningful to you. Once you do, it will pay dividends in each area of your life and generally make life much richer.

10. Your word and name are the two most important things

No list is complete without at least one bit of wisdom handed down by a father. When you say you are going to do something, do it. And with everything you do (or don't do) remember that your name is on it. If you keep these two things in mind and act accordingly, even when it's easier not to, it will always pay off.

 

And for reference, here are Clint Eastwood's "Clint's Rules", also known as Rules a Man Should Live By 1. Call your own shots. 2. Be fearless. 3. Keep moving. 4. Love your job. 5. Speak softly. 6. Don’t be predictable. 7. Find a good woman. 8. Learn to play the piano. 9. You are what you drive. 10. Avoid extreme make-overs.