25 “Old Fart” Rules for Work in the New Economy

“The rules have changed” is beyond a cliché. For those entering the workplace in our new economy, however, the phrase has never been more relevant, or true.
Companies – from start-ups to Fortune 500 – are now attempting to do more with fewer employees. They are expecting more from every team member. And, they are demanding that each new employee contribute right away; there simply isn’t time for “new guy” learning curve. Show ANY sign you are not ready to make an immediate impact – during the job interview, internship or in your first few days in the office – and the company will find someone else to fill the role.

The trouble is… many of those entering the workforce don’t know the rules to the game. They don’t know how they are being judged. They don’t know what is expected. They do NOT know what is considered normal learning curve issues – and what supervisors, mentors and employers will think of as intolerable noob behavior.
Here then (knowing they all won’t apply at every company or in an every situation) are one old fart’s rules – previously unwritten – you’ll have to follow as you start your career in our new economy:

1)   There is no such thing as “I can’t do that” – or – “That’s not my job”.
2)   There is no time for divas, drama, victim statements or whining.
3)   Nothing is more impressive than good, old-fashioned hustle.
4)   Humble confidence is the second-most impressive trait.
5)   Unless you’ve worked out alternative hours, saying “I’m not a morning person” is beyond lame.
6)   There is almost no such thing as a dumb question (ever hear of Google?)
7)   GOOD questions are a sign you are sincerely interested in growing – and learning.
8)   Challenging status quo with “why” questions is a sign of intelligence (and leadership).
9)   Saying you are going to do something turns it into a commitment – and a responsibility.
10)  No trophy will be given for “effort” – you are measured on results achieved, only.
11)  Just as important as results… is the attitude shown while achieving.
12)  What you were taught in school, for the most part, doesn’t apply here… adapt, quickly.
13)  No glory will be given for learning what you already claimed to know (or what you should know)
14)  Self-learning the skills needed for just-in-time problem solving is called “amazing”.
15)  99.9% of the time, we learn best when we’re not talking.
16)  No credit will be given for just showing up; amazing things happen when you do show up.
17)  Consistently being late for – or missing – meetings is not cool; your reputation will be affected.
18)  Coming up with idea after idea is great… turning your ideas into usable solutions is gold.
19)  To quickly earn the respect of your team, mentor as you are being mentored.
20)  Failure is only good if you – and we – learn from the experience.
21)  When a problem needs fixed or a customer needs assistance… never, ever wait to be asked.
22)  The quickest way to make your way to the top is a willingness to work with us at the bottom.
23)  Without goal setting, planning and measurement… you can’t produce something scalable and repeatable.
24)  Don’t ever wait for permission to lead.
25)  The “Golden Rule” still applies.

hese “Old Fart” rules may be a little tough – or at least tough love. Then again, how are you supposed to play the game well – if you don’t know the rules?