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i have written a lot of books about management, strategy, and all that.

but this small book is, by far, the best of all.

recommended for everyone that has to do anything with management. period!
Rating: 5 / 5

The book has a unique charm to it that will prompt many readers to revisit, reread and highlight sections throughout their careers.

The chief obstacles to career success are personal and administrative in nature with problems arising from the violation of the unwritten laws of professional conduct rather than errors relating directly to work. That was W.J. King’s observation in 1944 and he expanded on that observation in a series of three articles for “Mechanical Engineering”. That series of articles was published as a book The Unwritten Laws of Engineering. For some sixty years, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers published this book to an audience of mechanical engineers. The book was rescued from general obscurity by William H. Swanson, Raytheon’s Chief Executive Officer. Swanson referenced this book in his famous pamphlet on corporate management. Effective career guidance has no expiration date and this book has been updated, retitled and published in the popular business press version.

The Unwritten Laws of Engineering became an underground classic and with more than 100,000 copies published over sixty years. This book was often given to new engineers at the beginning of their careers as helpful professional guidance. This “little big book” is straight forward in its approach and succinct in its guidance. This book of less than 110 pages is subdivided into three sections – “What the beginner needs to learn at once”, “Relating chiefly to managers” and “Professional and personal considerations”. What is affirming is that so many of these principles and laws outlined in 1944 for mechanical engineers remain true and pungent today for professionals.

Today’s business literature is replete with list-driven works that will, reputedly, effectively address problems as varied as strategic planning to the effective use of e-mail. The “flavor of the month” approach has dominated much of the popular business literature as a whole. What is remarkable about the The Unwritten Laws of Business is that this small book may actually be read instead of just being prominently displayed on office bookshelves. The principles outlined in this work are certainly not new or especially novel to the experienced manager, for example:

· If you have no intention of listening to, considering, and perhaps using someone’s opinion don’t ask for it.

· The common belief that everyone can do anything if they just try hard enough is a formula for inefficiency at best and for complete failure at worst.

· Never miss a chance to commend or reward subordinates for a job well done.

Even in our era, that is better known for its regulatory oversight and litigation, these principles and “unwritten laws” still ring true and clear. These laws are time tested and proven guides to professional and administrative behavior in large and small, public, private and non-profit organizations. Individual career success is situationally dependent and is often a complex undertaking; however, the application of these laws and principles will most certainly reduce both the frequency and magnitude of crisis in the early years of a professional career.

The book does earn its label as a little big book. It is an interesting and useful guide, although by design not a comprehensive guide to career success. It is a useful book for both the seasoned employee and the novice, alike and is a welcome addition to any professional’s library.

Rating: 4 / 5