Advice and truly useful help

[GuidoLS]

I can think of more than a few, but

If it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.

[jim]

The 80-20 rule.

Applies in many many circumstances and in different ways. But in essence it's saying the first 80% of a task's progression takes 20% of the effort, while the last 20% takes 80% of the effort. Or 80% of the outcomes are caused by 20% of the effectors etc.

It's useful when looking at all sorts of things, from forum responses (think 'vocal minority') to getting the most effective benefit when fixing bugs/addressing user requested features. I even apply it (slightly incorrectly) as a rule for mechanical sympathy - 80% of my driving/equipment use/whatever can be done at 20% effort (not quite the right word), and by saving the remaining 80% of effort for those times when the circumstances require it then the equipment will last longer and I'm more likely to have the energy/concentration to make most use of it.

I've found this to be so true with projects at work.

You can take any task, and spend an inordinate amount of time planning, developing, checking, refining and reviewing it. But actually, if you are given what seems like a ridiculous deadline, you can often get it done in 20% of the time you might think would be necessary.

And whilst that might mean it's only 80% as good as it could be, you'll have completed another 4 tasks to the same standard compared to one at 100%. And most of the time, the difference will be negligible.

I'm sure some people will say everything ought to be 99% perfect, but in reality that's not the way I've found things to be. The last 19% takes such an inordinate amount of time, the to-ing and fro-ing, the debating, the 'let's take this out' and then two days later 'actually I think it was better with it in' etc.

[suedenim]

I have yet to meet anyone whose last words were "I wish I spent more time in the office"

[SeriousSam]

“When people tell you that there are two sides to every argument, it is nonsense. There are three: your side, their side and the truth.”

[ik9000]

“When people tell you that there are two sides to every argument, it is nonsense. There are three: your side, their side and the truth.”

But you seem to me counting my side twice...

[Lucio]

Don't ignore your failures, accept them, learn from them and do better next time around.

[Noxvayl]

Something my Dad always made an effort to point out to me was that you can learn something from everyone, no matter how different they are from you.

Growing up in South Africa in the 90s meant I experienced some extreme prejudice thanks to the racist nature of the society. I don't mean I was a victim of it, I am a white male so was the benefactor of the prejudice, but having that maxim drummed into me from a young child meant I learnt things that many white South Africans ignored.

It is something I find useful and can be applied no matter what societal structure you live in. Just because you earn more than someone else, do certain activities better than someone else or simply feel that groups of people are beneath you doesn't mean that those people aren't able to have redeeming qualities. I find it helps resist the urge to simplify things into a binary equation where there are only 2 possible options, something that is insane when it comes to the complexity of people.

[DR]

Focus - whatever you are doing focus on it, don't waste your time not trying to achieve it. Focus on it, then move on to the next thing.

[g8ina]

One from my old Boss John Oliver, radio ham and good friend :

A man who never made a mistake never made anything.

[Zak33]

These are all really good :-) thankyou all.

My grandfather told me this....many times when I'd gone overboard on a thing... Maybe eaten too much...or rode my bike a bit too fast and crashed. And later when I was older and I argued too long on a subject...

It's very simple

"There's a difference between scratching your arse....and tearing it to pieces"

[Spreadie]

This is a firm favourite of my mother..

"it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove any doubt"

[Jowsey]

Bit of weird one but it's worked well for me.

If you ever offer assistance, always help beyond the scope of necessity. (e.g helping someone carry boxes somewhere, offer to unpack them)

If you've already took the time to help in the first place normally it doesn't take much longer for the second task and it will be remember by the person much more than just carrying the boxes.

And the second is office specific. Keep any receptionists and secretaries in your good books. You don't realise how much they do for you until they stop doing it.

[abaxas]

When something is new - go with the idea
The next time the same idea comes around - remind people why it didn't work
The next time - retire.

I'm in my 40's so I'm starting to see all the mistakes we all made 20 years ago, being made again.

To add to the one above about secretaries. If anyone has a PA, make them your best friend. They have the boss's diary.

[santa claus]

I'm less keen on philosophical advice because I forget it quickly, so I have a practical tip that is fast, good and cheap and kinder to the environment: boiling water kills weeds as efficiently as chemicals. Try it.

[Butcher]

Take care of your teeth. Dental problems are the worst.

[Zak33]

Know your weaknesses