By WJ King with revisions and additions by James G Skakoon
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A salient truth in life is that common sense is not that common,
and so it is refreshing to pick up a small book, filled with pragmatic
advice to new entrants to the business world and managers alike.
First published in 1944 as The Unwritten Laws of Engineering, this
little tome offers sound advice through the use of sound byte maxims
and expanded on by referring to anecdotal information.
For example: “Confirm your instructions and the other person’s
commitment in writing – Do not assume that the job will be done or the
bargain kept just because someone agreed to do it. Many people have
poor memories, others are too busy and almost everyone will take the
matter a great deal more seriously if it is in writing. Of course there
are exceptions, but at times it pays to copy a third person as a
witness.”
The advice is practical, the book is simple to read and the wisdom
is eternal. I have recommended it to mentors and protégés alike but see
it as applicable to all in business.