12 rules for work — an antidote for chaos

I flipped through the book thinking to myself that I definitely have to read this; then I checked myself because I already have three books on the go. Setting the book down I walked away knowing I would be back to pick it up later. Quite frankly you can never have too many books on the go and I should just accept it.

Shortly afterwards I couldn't help but think about what the 12 rules for work would be. The urge became so strong I had to sit down and write out the first 12 rules that came to mind. This is what I came up with in the order that they came to mind:

• Never forget work is much bigger than what you do.
• Although you are good at what you do, remember that doesn't mean you are good at everything.
• The person that you forgot about will throw a wrench into what you want to accomplish.
• When someone asks if there are any questions... ask one.
• Work is an intellectual pursuit, not an emotional one.
• You know your business when you know your numbers.
•  Nothing gets done without good people.
• You will get nothing done without objectives and expectations.
• It is better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.
• Measure as much as you can.
• Raise the bar once you think you know what you are doing.
• People don't pay for easy.

In no way is this a definitive list or even a correct one — what the list does represents is the first 12 things that came to mind for me. I'm definitely going to think about this further and deconstruct why I instinctively believe these are, at the very least, 12 very important rules.

I will get back to you.

iamgpe

PS — I would like to thank Jordan B Peterson for the inspiration.