Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Time-tested advice to help you be a better manager or employee, 31 July 2007
This review is from: The Unwritten Laws of Business (Hardcover)
This book of short rules or "unwritten laws" harks back to 1944, when W.J. King, a mechanical engineer, penned a pamphlet of management advice for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). In an era when most training happened on the job - if at all - this must have been a welcome guide. The little book has a big history. In 2005, the cover of Business 2.0 magazine featured a self-published pamphlet called Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management. The author, Raytheon CEO William H. Swanson, basked in success after Jack Welch and Warren Buffett lauded his business homilies. But, public exposure revealed the influence King's little-known 1940s manual had on Swanson's work, which drew some rules from the older booklet. Although most of the 61 adages are familiar, even trite, they bear reviewing in their new official format, as revised by engineer James G. Skakoon at ASME's request. The ideas may be old, but they seem relevant. Only the mode of communication is frozen in time, since King and Skakoon don't mention e-mails, cell phones or PCs. Their advice ranges from hot-button topics, such as ethics and fair, firm management, to quaint references to personal hygiene. Even if you've heard these old reliable rules before, look again with an open mind. We promise there's a chestnut here for everyone.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Wrinkled Wisdon, 14 Aug 2009
This review is from: The Unwritten Laws of Business (Hardcover)
I discovered this book when I was in my 60's. I have worked at all levels of business from the shop floor to the boardroom. I only wish someone had given me this book when I was in my 20's, I would have benefited enormously from its pearls of wisdom. Therefore, if you are a young businessperson just setting buy it, read it and learn. If you in your prime buy it for a young person whom you admire and want to see get on, but read it first you may still learn something as I did.
Bob Yorke CEO RWY Consultants Warrington 2009
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
30 Minutes of Reading, a Lifetime of Good Advice, 13 April 2007
By Miami Bob "Resurgent Reading" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Unwritten Laws of Business (Hardcover)
Basically, as a 50-year old professional, this book delivers little of what I have not already learned through trial and error.
This book allows you to learn without the scar tissue which I have accumulated from my "trial and error" travails.
Had someone come to me with this book when I was young -- when I intentionally continued to live in my world (by stealth) in order not to heed to the advice of my elders and continued to avoid their prophetic advice -- I would have been much better informed.
My recommenddation for AARP-card carrying members like myself, get a young'un to deliver this common sensical verse of advice at the young and restless person's door step (God forbid a gray-haired geezer be the deliverer of this book of truisms); and, then pray that the easily read words written therein somehow can be absorbed -- even if only partly. This book only offers good advice, so the more taken -- the more good is given.
"Pass it on."
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything You Need To Know, 11 May 2007
By Kerrie More - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Unwritten Laws of Business (Hardcover)
I loved this little gem of a book. It gently reminds us how to be a better employee or employer, but I think this advice ultimately can help us be better in ALL of our relationships. Imagine if we let our ethics be our assett with our friends, neighbors and family, as well as our supervisors and co-workers. The title does not do this book justice, because it is not just the business community who needs these lessons. Whether you serve ice cream at a local shop, superivse small children at a day-care, teach in a classroom, or manage a multi-million dollar corporation, this book is all you need to guide you. Buy multiple copies and give it to college graduates and high-school students applying for their first job. If you are a high school guidance counselor, teach it to your students. If you are a boss, give it to your employees when they are hired (and read your own copy again and again!). If you are an employee, keep it on your desk and look at it from time to time to remind you to be your best. Thank you Mr. King and Mr. Skakoon for your timeless wisdom.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every College Graduate Should Buy This Book, 11 Feb 2008
By A. Eckerman "pasdf" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Unwritten Laws of Business (Audio CD)
I have been in business for over a decade and I live and breathe by many of the principles discussed in this book. I discovered these directives on my own through trial and error (mostly error) and from my numerous mentors. I certainly would have been better off if I had been exposed to this book as a graduate. The directives are quite simple but without them laid out in such simple terms and put into context most people would completely miss them. I will be purchasing this book for my kids their senior year of college.
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