Kirby’s Rules

Kirby’s Rules

13 Rules to Live By

1. Good to your family

Nobody succeeds at this business alone. We all need help. Take time to appreciate everything your family does to support you. They’ll never ask for your thanks, but they darn sure deserve it.

2. Skeptical

Don’t be afraid to question policies or programs. You have to be the sanity check. If it doesn’t make sense to you, you are going to have a hard time communicating it. Worse, it may be a bad policy.

3. Courteous

Treat everyone you encounter as if they were at your grandmother’s dinner table.

4. Professional

Nothing about your job is personal, certainly not your relationships with media. You are always a spokesman … always. Be able to separate personal from professional issues.

5. Able to take two steps back

It’s all about context. Find ways to put things into perspective. That’s what we do.

6. Right

We can’t afford to pass bad information … ever.

7. Responsive

Reply to emails promptly. Get the phone before it rings three times. Make sure people know how to get hold of you at all times. Don’t be afraid to give out your home number.

8. Engaged

Let people see you; let them know you are informed and interested in what they are doing. Stay ahead of issues, get out in front. Think strategically.

9. Curious

Ask lots of questions; be willing to learn no matter how long you have been at any command. Nobody cares how you did it before or how successful you once were. Listen.

10. Circumspect

People have to know they can trust you with information, both at the command and in the media. Know when to speak up and when not to. Be trustworthy.

11. Yourself

Don’t try to fit someone’s mold. Be true to who you are and let that reflect in your work. A phony PAO can be spotted — and distrusted — a mile away.

12. Able to laugh

Sometimes your sense of humor will be all that gets you through. Take the work seriously, not yourself.

13. Physically Fit

You represent the military. Look the part. Workout regularly. Wear your uniform smartly.