12 rules for work — an antidote for chaos
As I am apt to do once in a while I'll just wander a bookstore aimlessly; I'll meander through the various sections and let the countless titles wash over me. On one such sojourn there was a title that caught my eye — in part because there were dozens of books stacked waist high but also because the title was so intriguing.
12 RULES FOR LIFE — AN ANTIDOTE FOR CHAOS by Jordan B Peterson
I flipped through the book thinking to myself that I definitely have to read this; then I checked myself because I already have three books on the go. Setting the book down I walked away knowing I would be back to pick it up later. Quite frankly you can never have too many books on the go and I should just accept it.
Shortly afterwards I couldn't help but think about what the 12 rules for work would be. The urge became so strong I had to sit down and write out the first 12 rules that came to mind. This is what I came up with in the order that they came to mind:
- Never forget work is much bigger than what you do.
 - Although you are good at what you do, remember that doesn't mean you are good at everything.
 - The person that you forgot about will throw a wrench into what you want to accomplish.
 - When someone asks if there are any questions... ask one.
 - Work is an intellectual pursuit, not an emotional one.
 - You know your business when you know your numbers.
 - Nothing gets done without good people.
 - You will get nothing done without objectives and expectations.
 - It is better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.
 - Measure as much as you can.
 - Raise the bar once you think you know what you are doing.
 - People don't pay for easy.
 
In no way is this a definitive list or even a correct one — what the list does represents is the first 12 things that came to mind for me. I'm definitely going to think about this further and deconstruct why I instinctively believe these are, at the very least, 12 very important rules.
I will get back to you.
iamgpe
PS — I would like to thank Jordan B Peterson for the inspiration.