The seven rules

Core working rules

Short, practical rules. Use them when you assign work, raise a problem, or close out a project.

1. 1 Define the end before starting the work Clear goals prevent wasted effort. Name the end state before assigning important work.
2. 2 Put one clear owner on important work Every important project, issue, or goal needs one visible owner.
3. 3 Tell the truth early Bad news early is useful. Bad news late is expensive.
4. 4 Fix the system before blaming the person When something goes wrong, we first ask whether the goal, owner, process, tools, time, and authority were in place.
5. 5 Match accountability with authority Do not hold a person fully responsible for work they cannot control.
6. 6 Give feedback with care and detail Kindness does not mean avoiding hard truth. Honesty does not mean being harsh.
7. 7 Review progress and learn Don't only ask whether you finished. Ask what worked, what didn't, what slowed you down, and what should change next time.