Maxims in Business

The business world is full of maxims. You have only to stroll the business reference section of your local bookstore to find advice on how to do business ethically, how to sell better, and how to manage others -- and this advice is peppered with maxims. Some of these nuggets of wisdom include:

• "There is no I in teamwork."
• "People who feel good about themselves produce good results."
• "Never give up. Never, never, never."

Why are maxims so frequently used in business? Perhaps because they are a concise package of wisdom, and in business, concise is synonymous with efficient.

What maxims in business have you heard, learned, and used? Tell us about your maxim(s) by filling out our form. As we receive your maxims, we will post them on this page.

We also invite you to check out our links to other websites that list maxims used in business on our resources and links page.

We are in these communities to serve.

Submitted by: Mary Jo Rigby
How did you learn the maxim? It is the maxim which guides the bank for which I work.
Has the maxim influenced the way you work?: It reminds us we are all part of the same community, are neighbors. And you treat your neighbors in a neighborly was, not as just a customer, etc.
How do you use the Maxim? It reminds me to treat my customers as a neighbor and as I would wish to be treated.

The first syllable in deadline is dead

Submitted by: Dave McDevitt
How did you learn the maxim? Over my years a Proposal Manager for large Defense bids, I created this maxim to infuse a sense of urgency in my proposal people.
Has the maxim influenced the way you work?: I hope it has influenced the people who work for me.
How do you use the Maxim? I use this at least once during every proposal. Since I am a consultant, I have no real authority over the authors and volume leaders on my proposals. But I also take each proposal personally and I have a consuming desire to win. A good maxim is worth hours of explanation.

Good management involves sensitivity - a wounded employee is dangerous

Submitted by: Ann Spoto
How did you learn the maxim? During the downsizing of a major corporation
Has the maxim influenced the way you work?: Raised awareness
How do you use the Maxim? always

Use the right tool for the job. Let the tool do the work. Take care of your tools.

Submitted by: West Sandra
How did you learn the maxim? Stanley E West (1909-1981) My father taught these to me by word and deed.
Has the maxim influenced the way you work?: Not only does this apply to equipment, but to personnel. When we use the right person for a job and let that person do the job, we are more likely to get a good job. If we take care of that person, the person is more likely to stay and to do an even better job.
How do you use the Maxim? Yes.