Rule 11: Treat Each Co-Worker Like He or She Is Your Best Client.* Or, Why did Big Sally throw a DC phone book an associate? I still need to get better at this rule. People, of course, are every business’s most important asset. So here are three very personal “aspects” of Rule 11, from the 12 Rules. The above is my non-litigation “Rule 11”.
And these are, as it were, the “advisory committee notes”:
First, in our workplaces, we need great people and we need to treat them with respect–not just buttering up. We need to give them prompt feedback–the good and the bad.
Above all, we need them to grow and be happy. Which frankly is not (like never) your problem unless you let it be. Failure to grow: it’s their problem, unless you impede their growth.
(Note to Employers: Please get used to the above. Maybe repeat in over and over again. Get off your knees first. Good. And now say: “Any hire’s mediocrity and lack of aspirations is not my fault. It’s only my fault if I keep them.” Repeat, you big Boomer weenie. Yeah, that’s it.)
Second, I have a short fuse. I am focused on what I am doing, and I am not always perfectly nice. To bad guys. To good guys. To people I admire, respect, like and love. And since 1981, I have had approximately 25 secretaries. Okay maybe 35.