Bruce Gandy's Blog

I wrote this back in June of 2001 when I was Director of Training for a company outsourced by NJIT. It seems to me that the advice is just as good today.

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Something has been in the air for the last two days and I don't know what it is but I wish it would go away. Many normally stable, professional, bright and qualified people seem to have put their brains and talents on the back burner for some reason.

I've been drafting this all day when I haven't been putting out fires and now it seems time to reiterate what seemed to me to be obvious, or written down as part of some other agreement we have, or part of some training we've gone through.

Please remember the policies listed here, but if you've done nothing pertaining to the issues which brought about this memo, be thankful. I'm hiding the recipient list so that no one will assume that it does or does not pertain to them. The policies to pertain to all.

1. We all need to act professionally and responsibly at all times, to our clients and to each other.
2. We are here to help our clients. As a Team. Working together. I expect to see A's on your report cards for "Plays well with others".
3. If you need to vent, vent to me. Perhaps I can help to solve the problem. If not, at least I am on your side.
4. Deadlines exist in order to accomplish group tasks. One or more people are depending on you to meet your deadline so that they can meet theirs. Rather than assign a deadline, I usually ask when you can have something done and I expect your answer to be your deadline unless I need the task completed sooner. If you say you can do something by that point, that is your deadline and I expect you to meet it. If you have a problem, talk to me because I have enough trouble with my own deadlines, but DO NOT break your word to me. Not meeting your deadline is not just your problem; it's everyone's problem.
5. If you think you might have a problem, then you have a problem and I need to know about it right away. Let me know before anyone else. Please don't let me be blindsided.
6. If a good thing happens, let us know. We all love to hear about success.
7. Passionate is good. Rational is just as good.
8. Intelligence is nothing without Common Sense. Don't leave home without it.
9. Pay Attention to the details and Follow Directions because Neatness DOES count.
10. We are all overworked and yes, it still has to be done accurately, professionally and on time.

I am one of the most accessible people on the planet. You can reach me at any of the following numbers.