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Simple rules to keep you employed.

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Category: Communication

Rule 21: A Pro isn’t afraid to tell other people what to do

Posted on February 5, 2024March 27, 2025 by Duncan Zaves

The most frustrating repeated failure in meeting management is unclear accountability for actionable items. A simple – “Joe – you are going to take care of this by Tuesday, right?” is all it takes. A Pro gives every action item both a name and a date. Assuming you read the rules in order, you should…

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Rule 25: A Pro doesn’t share their personal website with co-workers

Posted on February 5, 2024March 27, 2025 by Duncan Zaves

The second you give your URL to a co-worker, The Code now extends to that virtual space. So unless you are a self-promoting douchebag running a site about how great your company is, don’t do it. Sadly, this means none of my co-workers should be reading this. Err… Hmm. Uh oh. Editors Note 2/4/24This was…

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Rule 24: When asked “How are you doing?” a Pro answers, “Really good”

Posted on February 5, 2024March 27, 2025 by Duncan Zaves

When asked how you are, you are always “Really good, you?”. Remember – they do not give a fuuuuuuuck. This is a pleasantry. Whether you are really good or about to quit – they only asked because it is one of those things we do and it would be strange not to. Here’s the thing,…

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Rule 23: Never send an Email/Text while angry

Posted on February 5, 2024March 27, 2025 by Duncan Zaves

My best friend used to work at a brokerage house, peddling shit stocks over the phone to stupid people. I remember visiting his office once. The energy was insane. Guys were pacing around with their phones, holding baseball bats, unbuttoning shirts…. As a relatively calm person, I asked my friend what the fuck was going…

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Rule 16: Never give a date for things beyond your control

Posted on February 4, 2024March 27, 2025 by Duncan Zaves

“When will the project complete?” I hate this question and I bet you do too. If it’s some document or presentation you need to create – that is simple enough. Take whatever you are comfortable with and add 20-30% on top of whatever you were going to say. If you need to work harder or…

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Recent Posts

  • Rule 22: You must earn your stripes
  • Rule 38: Work politics is chess, not checkers
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