Have to say that I’ve been enjoying the romp through Alan Webber’s book “Rules of Thumb.” Ostensibly, the co-founder of Fast Company sliced up his reams of real-life wisdom (or “Truths,” as he calls ‘em) into 52 segments so that they can be digested one-per-week for a year, but paraphrasing that classic Lay’s Potato Chips challenge, betcha can’t read just one. I defy you to put the book down without plowing through six or seven of said “Truths” at one sitting.
Webber writes authoritatively and accessibly, delivering the goods in a friendly yet comprehensive manner. No wonder Fast Company changed the way a new generation took to, and understood, business. Frankly, given how much I’ve learned from the mag over the years, “reviewing” Webber’s book feels more like evaluating one of my favorite profs.
While much of what Webber writes is common sense, the accompanying anecdotes, usually star-studded with corporate giants or their leaders, adds luster to his claims. And the problem with common sense is that we sadly tend to forget it before acting on it, so a refresher every now and then is always welcome.
I still read, and enjoy, Fast Company on a regular basis. But after reading “Rules of Thumb,” I realize that the voice that was Webber’s is blatantly missing from his baby.
And how can I not love a book with these words of wisdom:
"That’s the highest compliment a customer can pay you. And it makes it more likely that the customer will keep paying you more than compliments."
Wish I had been able to quote that in my book…