Rule Number Six. Works every time. It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, what country or state you live in, etc. If it resonates with you, please share it, but first read on…
Ronald Reagan & Mikhail Gorbachev were having an all day meeting discussing affairs of state. Suddenly an aide burst in, shouting and stamping and banging his fist. Gorbachev quietly said, “David, remember Rule Number Six.” David was instantly restored to complete calm, apologized for the interruption, and left the room. They resumed their discussion. Several minutes later, another person ran in, shouting and stamping. Again Gorbachev said, “Please remember Rule Number Six.” They calmed down immediately, apologized, and left the room.
Reagan then piped up and asked the simple question “I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. What is this Rule Number Six?” Gorbachev laughed and said, “Ahh – Rule Number Six – it’s simple ‘Don’t take yourself so fucking darn seriously.’” After a moment of pondering, the Regan said , “What, are the first five rules?”Gorbachev smiling said, “There aren’t any.”
For more information on this topic, check out: Building a World Class Culture.