The Unwritten Laws of Business

In the summer of 2005, Business 2.0 published a cover story on Raytheon CEO William Swanson's self-published pamphlet, Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management. Lauded by such chief executives as Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett, the booklet became a quiet phenomenon: over 300,000 people over the next year wrote in requesting copies. Soon after, the real secret behind Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management was discovered: the better part of the 33 rules in Swanson's book came from a business classic called The Unwritten Laws of Engineering, published in 1944 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Although over 150,000 copies have been sold over the years, but it has generally not been available through retail channels.

Now, in an updated and revised version by James G. Skakoon, and re-titled The Unwritten Rules of Business, these universal and enduring rules are available to listeners everywhere. Filled with sage advice and written in a spare, engaging style, these rules offer gems of knowledge and insight on working with others, reporting to a boss, organizing a project, running a meeting, advancing your career, and more. Success in one's career, and in one's life, depends fundamentally on communication, interpersonal skills, integrity, leadership, decorum, and personal and professional responsibility. By following the guidelines outlined in the book, new graduates and seasoned managers alike will learn how to master and apply these skills.

Every once in a while, one comes across a book with a message so timeless, so universal, that it transcends eras. We are delighted to make The Unwritten Laws of Business available to a new generation.

©2007 James G. Skakoon; (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.