Rule # 6

That boss that just always has to be right, who doesn't listen, who won't accept another point of view. We've all experienced it.

But ... truth is, when we look at ourselves, there are times when we act in ways we aren't proud of. When we slip from the values and traits we hold dear. Stress does that. Passion does that.

Remember rule number 6. I have seen reference to rule number 6 in several places, and it is one that really rings true for me.

Rule number 6:

Two prime ministers were sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly an aide burst in, shouting and banging his fist on the desk. The host prime minister quietly said, "Peter, kindly remember Rule Number Six." Peter was instantly restored to complete calm, apologized for the interruption, and left the room. The prime ministers resumed their discussion. Several minutes later, another aide rushed in, shouting and stamping. Again the host prime minister quietly said, "Marie, please remember Rule Number Six." Marie calmed down immediately, apologized, and left the room.

The visiting prime minister said "I've seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Tell me, what is this Rule Number Six?" The host prime minister said, "It's really very simple. Rule Number Six is 'Don't take yourself so damned seriously.'" After a moment of pondering, the visiting prime minister inquired, "And what, may I ask, are the other rules?"
The host replied, "There aren't any."

In a world of so much information, so many data points, so many lists and priorities, it is nice to only have to remember one rule.