I spend a lot of time working with small businesses trying to help their leaders create a better tomorrow.  For the most part I find this enjoyable – I get to work on interesting problems, with interesting people.  Sometimes, however, I find it maddening — laden with drama, unresolved issues, protracted battles, terrible people management, poor oversight and sloppy governance practices.  I need less of the latter and more of the former — so I’m making some new Rules for Doug.

1) I will not waste time with leaders who’s large egos prevent things getting better

2) I will not waste time with leaders who have low financial acumen

3) I will not waste time with leaders who want to “feel important” vs “be important”

4) I will not waste time with leaders who are not willing to genuinely embrace criticism

5) I will not waste time with leaders who advocate self-serving agendas

6) I will not waste time with leaders that agree to “x” but continue to do “y” in background

7) I will not waste time with leaders that have Mighty Mouse syndrome (“Here I Come to Save The Day!”)

There – now as Dan would often say – “onward and upward”.  Cheers.  DC