Timeless Management Wisdom

Once upon a time, someone told me to “come back with solutions, not with problems.” After the sting wore off–and especially as I started to move up in various organizational positions–I came to realize the wisdom of his words.

Managers have plenty of problems. What they crave are people who can competently produce results for them without continual supervision. For the millions of managers who are like me in this regard, here are two splendid references. Feel free to use them for training and discussion.

For my past, current, and future students–consider this as career advice for the jobs you have and the jobs you will have.

1. A Message to Garcia. This classic short story illustrates the value of employees who go forth and get the job done. Read it here.

2. The Doctrine of Completed Staff Work. Many themes here overlap with those in A Message to Garcia, with an added emphasis on producing solutions. Read it here.

The most reliable path to success in any job is simple: work hard. Very hard. And do it in a way that makes life easier for those around you. Both A Message to Garcia and The Doctrine of Completed Staff Work emphasize these and other priceless gems of advice; that’s why I think they both contain timeless management wisdom.