The Rules of Management, 4th Edition

RULE 74

Remember that none of us has to be here

I once worked with a fabulous manager. Sadly he is no longer with us but I remember all the managerial stuff he taught me. He was one of us – seemingly. On the surface he played the company game, discreet, charming, efficient, hard-working, but deep down this man worked for no one but himself.

Bob was an individualist, a rule breaker (but not these Rules – most of these came from him), non-conformist, maverick. He trod a fine line. He was Mr Cool Dude. Mr Management Should Never Be Seen To Be Done.

Sure, he got the job done and done extremely well, but he was a managerial rebel. He and I were scheduled once to go on a manager’s training course. Guess who failed to show up? Yep, Bob. He wasn’t going ...