Comments for Hangin' with Schlangen

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Mark Solon

Mark Solon — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:40:58 +0000

Sorry Tony, you’re still a Red Sox fan, and that makes you a Prick

(great post!)

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Brie

Brie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:29:08 +0000

Additionally, I believe there is some amount of training and internal drive to succeed that can propel an averagely qualified person in the right environment to become a rock star. However, even the best “lunch and learn” can’t turn a prick into a quality human being. The coolest thing about this working environment is that it fosters trust – which is the single factor most influential in my personal success. I can’t thank Schlanghole enough for setting me up for success. It has been a brilliantly exciting ride!

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Norris Krueger

Norris Krueger — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:24:30 +0000

Hi, Tony – I thought I’d added to this earlier — but one of the coolest cats I know (especially for a college professor, LOL) is Stanford’s Bob Sutton. He has written a lot about the “No Asshole Rule” – he’d love what you’re doing (which might even pre-date his book!)

You should follow his blog: http://bobsutton.typepad.com – and drop him a note!

He even has an online test you can take (or assess someone else):
http://electricpulp.com/guykawasaki/arse/
(for Bob, what’s funny is that many of the test items are considered POSITIVE in Academe… hahaha)

Comment on The No Prick Rule by schlanghole

schlanghole — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:05:12 +0000

I totally agree with you that it is very easy to slip too far the other direction. The candidate MUST be qualified for the role. We wouldn’t be in business as long as we have if they weren’t. My point is that what you DO is not enough. You must also possess the qualities that make you a good human being first … the rest really does not matter if you have no integrity, ethics, or are not a nice person Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Claire

Claire — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:49:09 +0000

Tony, I agree with your post for the most part, however I think it can swing too much in the other direction as well – the last few hires at my office have been based on friendships or because they were nice people (our last admin. assistant was hired because she “reminded the HR Director of her mom/grandma”) Fantastic person, but she lacked all of the skills necessary to get the job done and she quit after a few weeks. It’s all about balance and I believe there are people out there who have high skill-sets AND integrity, motivation and ability to work in a team setting.

Comment on The No Prick Rule by JJ Saldana

JJ Saldana — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:27:06 +0000

I am going to have to print this and show my boss. I like this rule.

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Megan

Megan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:59:46 +0000

I love this rule, Tony. And what I love even more is that it’s been so successful for you. The fact that it has proven to be effective, and longstanding for your company is a delight.

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Marobella

Marobella — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:50:45 +0000

A good rule that has served you well and not one to easily live by in our competitive world, for sure. There is great self-policing at our company which helps the cause. The key will be maintaining this rule as we scale, accomplish our BHAG and spread our wings globally. How do you say no prick in German?

Comment on The No Prick Rule by Harriet

Harriet — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:44:19 +0000

That has always been my philosophy and why the San Diego office was so productive.

Comment on The No Prick Rule by schlanghole

schlanghole — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:04:26 +0000

Thank you for commenting Candace. You are one of those people who get it and one I am so proud to, yes work with, but also proud to know you as a person. I can’t wait to read “Drive”. Thanks for the recommendation.