Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management

William H. Swanson is the author of Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management. He wrote this thirty-three unwritten rule management booklet in 2004. Mr. Swanson joined the Raytheon Company in 1972 as an engineer on the shop floor. As of the writing of this management booklet, he has become the chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. Throughout his journey, he has jotted down his thoughts and bits of wisdom on how to perform more effectively. This booklet is a product of his journal writing as well as effective practices.

Mr. William Swanson has compiled thirty-three rules he operates by on a regular basis. Each rule begins with the rule and then a brief story justifying the purpose of the rule. These justifications and/or insights are filled with humor, wisdom, and raw, yet practical experience.

Of the thirty-three unwritten rules, I have a few favorites. Rule number 4 has to do with looking for what is missing. This makes a lot of sense to me, especially in a meeting. Typically, presenters provide the audience with needed information or information they have a deep understanding of. Often times the most important message are the things unsaid and/or avoided. Rule #8 encourages you to put forth your best efforts, especially when new to the organization, on all assignments. A good supervisor and/or individuals in influential positions are always watching up-and-coming team members. They observe as well as remember how you handled those menial as well as those difficult tasks. Often times, it is those menial and trivial assignments that define as well as spell out an employee’s working character. Lastly, rule #28 states that “you remember 1/3 of what you read, ½ of what people tell you, but 100% of what you feel.” This rule makes a lot of sense to me. I try to read plenty but I find it difficult to remember the things I read. Thus, I write these brief reviews on the books that have been exposed to my eyes. Throughout the day, many people talk to me. Remembering what they say has become an arduous task. Thus, I carry a little 3X5 note pad in my left shirt pocket and write down the things I need to remember. I started this practice when I first became a vice-principal and had to remember all the “promises” I would make. To this day, I write down messages, phone numbers, birthdays, work orders, and special announcements in this little notebook. Lastly, we all have feelings. I work with teachers, students, parents, and family members. They all have feelings. When I interact with any one of these individuals, it is important that they will remember 1/3 of what they read, ½ of what they hear, but 100% of what they feel. If I come across angry, upset, happy, joyous, dull, boring, uninterested, or energetic, that is what they will remember. It is vital to always be cognizant of how I present myself to others so that their feelings will match what they read and/or heard from me.

For a seasoned leader or an up-and-coming leader, this is a worth while leadership booklet. All thirty-three unwritten rules by Mr. Swanson are practical and easy to put into practice. I have read this booklet a number of times and have discovered something new each time. After this recent read, I found many of the thirty-three unwritten rules to align themselves with the book entitled, The Leadership Challenge. The Leadership Challenge is an excellent text on leadership. With two plus decades of research supporting their position on leadership, The Leadership Challenge is a book worth exploring.