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MCA's Rules of the Road
As published in the Wall Street Journal Aug. 13, 1999
Originally attributed to MCA agent Jerry Perenchio but possibly developed by Jules Stein
1. Stay clear of the press. No interviews, no panels, no speeches, no comments. Stay out of the spotlight — it fades your suit.
2. No nepotism, no hiring of friends.
3. Never rehire anyone.
4. Hire people smarter and better than you. Delegate responsibilities to them. Doing so will make your job easier.
5. You’ve [got] to know your territory. Cold!
6. Do your homework. Be prepared.
7. Teamwork.
8. Take options, never give them.
9. Rely on your instincts and common sense. If you go against them you generally regret it.
10. No surprises. We don’t give them. We don’t want to get them.
11. Never lose sight of what business you’re in. Stick to your “last.”
12. When you suit up each day it’s to play in Yankee stadium or Dodger stadium. Think big.
13. If you have a problem, don’t delay. Face up to it immediately and solve it.
14. Loose lips sink ships!
15. Supreme self-confidence, never arrogance.
16. A true leader is accessible — no job too big, no job too small.
17. Communication is our business. You can reach any of your associates anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
18. If you make a mistake, admit it. Just don’t make too many.
19. Don’t be a “customer’s person” (man or woman).
20. Always, always take the high road. Be tough but fair and never lose your sense of humor.
Editor's notes:
I don't know that I agree with #19. I'd need to know what specifically this originally meant. Having witnessed the junkification of Silicon Valley's consumer-focused startup sector in the 2020s due to "founders" putting shareholder profit first and customers last, I believe in addressing customer needs. #19 may be specific to Hollywood, and not to business overall.
#5 was spelled in the WSJ as "You've go" instead of the more probable "You've got".
#17 was clearly written before the advent of the 24/7 news cycle and smartphones. The quickest way to burn yourself out is by having no boundaries, and burnout is a productivity killer. Work when you work. Play when you play.
