I am not big on following rules, but I guess I have observed and written many of my own over the years. �It all came home to me last week when I got a cold call from “a broker”. �I stopped him mid-flow, not wanting to waste any more of his time or mine:

“Rule 1:” I said, “Never buy financial services from a cold call.”

“But I’m not selling financial services – this is a fine wine brokerage”.

“Ahh…”

“Rule 2:” I said, “Never invest in something you don’t understand.”

“Where do all of these rules come from?”.

“Rule 3:” I said, “Never divulge the secret of the rules.”

Mike’s Rules

That last one sounds a bit like the first rule of Fight Club*

Anyway, there’s no secret. �I just started, years ago, to collect observations I made about my work. �They now fill several pages of a notebook. �Two of my earliest observations recently made it into my latest book, “Brilliant Project Leader”
(along with a load of other rules).

Mike’s First Rule of Teams: � “You get the team you deserve.”

Mike’s First Rule of Change: �“Resistance is inevitable.”

You’ll also find more rules of change, along with meetings, negotiation and communication. �I am beginning to think I should do something more with them, so I have decided to try tweeting them. �Follow me @mikeclayton01.

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*

“The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.

The second rule of Fight Club is:�You do not talk about Fight Club.

Third rule of Fight Club: someone yells stop, goes limp, taps out, the fight is over.

Fourth rule: only two guys to a fight.

Fifth rule: one fight at a time, fellas.

Sixth rule: no shirts, no shoes.

Seventh rule: fights will go on as long as they have to.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first night at Fight Club, you�have�to fight.”