Comments on: Pay Attention: The No Asshole and No Complaining Rules

By: Dr. Paul

Dr. Paul — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:04:14 +0000

I had a great interview this week with Jon Gordon – thought you might enjoy a listen!

http://www.liveonpurposeradio.com/radio/2008/11/24/the-no-complaining-rule/

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By: Totally Consumed

Totally Consumed — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:29:07 +0000

Hmmm … so you were given two free books then write a glowing article about both? Who gave them to you? Why did they put them both in the same package? Can we trust your review to be unbiased?

Bob Sutton came out with the “No Asshole Rule” well before Jon Gordon’s book was titled. The No Complaining Rule, title and cover are obvious ripoffs.

Not only that, but the content of the “No Complaing Rule”, is without substance. Jon Gordon has done a great job of using charisma and marketing to make money off a low-quality “business book.

Bob Suttons book – well written and informative.

Jon Gordon’s book – if you see a copy at goodwill for 25 cents, don’t waste your quarter; buy a piece of gum instead.

By: HeyStephanie

HeyStephanie — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:54:17 +0000

When our project team was assembled, our manager each gave us a copy of “The No Asshole Rule” and it still sits on my desk today. We’ve all had to deal with those kind of people and Sutton does a great job of explaining how to deal with them and get positive results.

By: Maria Elena Duron

Maria Elena Duron — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:31:40 +0000

Dan,
Great review! And, I agree with all that you highlighted. The “no asshole” rule applies to business, too! If you’re a small business owner and you want to stay committed to your hopes and dreams – then you’ll drift away from that mentality of doing business with ANYBODY, EVERYBODY AND SOMEBODY. You’ll be specific on the niche that provides you the most pleasure and profit.
Firing prospects is a GOOD PRACTICE. Only work with those who value and respect your authentic strength and you feel the same about them.
Just recently (today in fact), I got a reminder of that “no asshole” rule and said a FAST ADIOS to one of those energy drainers.
Choose your connections wisely – in business and in life.

By: Dave Spencer

Dave Spencer — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:56:42 +0000

Of course, as MacArthur said, you are remembered for the rules you break. Sometimes complaint is a necessary step to driving change, as Dave Atkins said above me. The trick is keeping it positive and engaging instead of negative and disengaging.

But sometimes you do have to say, “Wait, this is awful,” in order to get people to step back and realize things need to change.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:48:21 +0000

I should clarify, the blockquote cite, appears to be Dan’s words paraphrasing Jon.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:46:33 +0000

My greatest takeaway from this article/review is this from Jon:

Why invest so much of your time in complaining about work, when you can start to make things right today. As with anything else, it starts with you. Quit complaining and start breathing positive energy into your work environment.

I agree with this and I try to make it one of my personal mantras daily. There is too much complaining and negativity that sucks the work ethic and enjoyment out of many people.

Life is good.

By: Dave Atkins

Dave Atkins — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:41:38 +0000

I know what you mean re complaining…once branded a cynic or skeptic, you can find yourself out of the loop of influence within a company. But there should also be a “no-BS” rule to recognize the difference between griping and engaged criticism. Sometimes people are openly critical because they care and want to solve problems. We want to engage in the decision-making process of the company. Even after filtering and planning what to say constructvely, the reality is often that the feedback sought when ideas are communicated “down” from Execs is just “what did you like about this?” When people stop complaining, it means they just don’t care anymore. Optimism is made practical by criticism…otherwise, it’s just a lot of hot air.