Edward R. Murrow Rule of Thumb

We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty ... when the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.

Good Manager Tips ...

1. Be a good coach.
2. Empower your team and don't micro-manage.
3. Express interest in team members' success and personal well-being.
4. Be productive and results-oriented.
5. Be a good communicator and listen to your team.
6. Help your employees with career development.
7. Have a clear vision and strategy for the team.
8. Have key technical skills so you can advise the team.

Three manager pitfalls ...
1. Have trouble moving from individual contributor to team leader.
2. Lack a consistent approach to performance management and reviews.
3. Spend too little time managing and communicating.

[Thank you, Michelle Donovan & Prasad Setty]

Mary Poulton Rule of Thumb

Three PhD's do not a make an MBA.

Workaholic Tip ...

Our culture celebrates the idea of the workaholic ... Not only is this workaholism unnecessary, it’s stupid. Working more doesn’t mean you care more or get more done. It just means you work more ... If all you do is work, you’re unlikely to have sound judgments. Your values and decision-making wind up skewed. You stop being able to decide what’s worth extra effort and what’s not.

[Thank you, Jason Fried & David Hansson]

Paul Baran Rule of Thumb

The process of technological developments is like building a cathedral. Over the course of several hundred years, new people come along and each lays down a block on top of the old foundations, each saying, ‘I built a cathedral.’ Next month another block is placed atop the previous one. Then comes along an historian who asks, ‘Well, who built the cathedral?’ Peter added some stones here, and Paul added a few more. If you are not careful you can con yourself into believing that you did the most important part. But the reality is that each contribution has to follow onto previous work. Everything is tied to everything else.

Gerry Rafferty Rule of Thumb

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you!

Jan Konstanty Rule of Thumb

It's the planning, not the plan.

David Shore Rule of Thumb

There's no 'I' in "team" ... there is a 'me', though, if you jumble it up.

Vera Shury Rule of Thumb

Ants make a big hill one grain at a time.

Chris Sorbe Rule of Thumb

Nobody's going to leave this rock alive!

Mark Victor Hansen Rule of Thumb

TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves Millions!

Jim Jindrick Rules of Thumb

Great teams have members with complementary skills and collaborative styles.

China Shop Rule of Thumb

You break it, you bought it!

Joan Kelly Rule of Thumb

Before going into a partnership with someone, spend time with them in three different kinds of situations: a relaxing one, a competitive one, and an intellectually stimulating one.

Dale Carnegie Rule of Thumb

When we have a brilliant idea, instead of making others think it is ours, why not let them cook and stir the idea themselves.

Pearl Buck Rule of Thumb

A good marriage is one which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love.

Yes, this is "Business Rules of Thumb . com"! Think of this "pearl" in terms of a business joint venture, or team collaboration!

Pogo Rule of Thumb

We have met the enemy, and he is us!

Samuel Taylor Coleridge Rule of Thumb

Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm.

The TEAM Rule of Thumb

Together Everyone Achieves More!

Vince Lombardi Rule of Thumb

I've never been on a losing team, and I don't intend to start now!