Management Rules: 50 New Rules for Managers

CHAPTER 28

PROFESSIONAL GUARD

There is nothing the newspapers like more than a good scandal, preferably involving drugs, royalty and deviant sex. Some celebrities make a career out of scandal. But more often, behind each scandal there is a politician, public servant or employee who finds their career has come to a sudden and dramatic finale. With less drama, there are many professionals who find their professional career derailed by a lapse.

Professional guard covers a multitude of sins, all of which are avoidable. It is a mindset which is inherently cautious and thinks ahead: “what is the worst thing that could happen if I do this …”. Most traps ...