Never Confuse a Memo With Reality: And Other Business Lessons Too Simple Not To Know

by Richard A. Moran

Provides an inspirational and witty compilation of fundamental organizational rules, business aphorisms, and corporate wisdom. Reprint. 60,000 first printing. $60,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1993

Reviews

[^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

With elegant simplicity the bitingly observant and valuable lessons contained in this pithy little (6” x 4 ½” x ¾“) pocket book haven’t dated by so much as one jot, even if some of the terminology of the then-fashionable business improvement programmes have (Six Sigma, Total Quality).

If only more people would act on #311: "When giving a presentation, don't read the slides and don't use a pointer." #312 is even more apt in today's recessionary times:
"The concept of entitlement is disappearing fast. You have to earn employment and benefits." Not forgetting #135: “Spend your department’s budget as if it were your own.”

I keep this inspirational book on my desk, always to hand.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very wise little book; it should be read or reread by anyone facing rightsizing or restructuring or big change(s) in ones working environment. Richard A Moran is an organizational change consultant and his suggestions show that he understands any workers fear of change.

I feel that he is making some excellent proposals they are a way to be part of the solution (and not perceived as part of the deadwood that should be removed). Change is a given in life. The employees who can bring about necessary change to an organization are the ones able to see beyond -- What's in it for me.

Mr. Moran shows how to be one of the evolved employed instead of part of the looking for work line. Many of the quick ideas seem to come from Business 101, and some seem so important they should appear in 3 foot high letters.

Here are a few of my faves:

Follow Stephen Covey's suggestion of knowing how to distinguish what's important and what's urgent.
Long hours don't mean anything results count, not effort.

Never take a problem to your boss without some solutions. You are being paid to think, not to whine.
Develop a high tolerance for ambiguity you'll be more satisfied.

Some reviewers complained about the seeming simplicity of some of the ideas. Looking back over my career, it was the little things that seemed to get folks in trouble at work. We all need a reminder of our humanity from time-to-time no matter how lofty our job title might be.

[Neema · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Develop a high tolerance for ambiguity and you will be more satisfied.”

Written primarily for businessmen and leaders in the business and entrepreneurial sphere, this pocket book is a well of wisdom, even to those whose interests lay further away from business related matters. The hints, tips, and lessons are practical and true and will serve as reminders on how to keep your social and organizational ducks in order. Short read with great insights.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

361 short observations/lessons in business. Only a few are now outdated. For such a short and simple book, it contains a lot of good advice.

[David Grimaud · Rating 2 out of 5]

THIS IS A BOOKLET of 350 aphorisms. Many of the them are intuitive. Some of them are brilliant. An employee of mine found this book in the early nineties. We were so impressed that we sent the book out as gifts to our franchisees and brought the author, Rich Moran, in to speak at one of our annual meetings. The book is a good source for speaking ideas, as any one of the quips could be a them for a speech or sermon.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many lessons to list here ... suffice it to say, I like books with one short sentence per page dispensing sound business and life advice.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny and often true, but some of the lessons are so "simple" that they are meaningless.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bathroom Reader.