Holmes' Rules Are Not Merely Elementary, My Dear Watson

While the criminal trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes continues, her recent testimony gave us some very interesting insight as to how she (allegedly) approached business.  It appears (though it remains to be proven) that the business was a complete fraud and she was able to swindle millions of dollars out of investors like Rupert Murdoch ($125 million), the Walton family of Walmart fame ($150 million) and former US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos & her family ($100 million). 

You can’t do that without working hard at it.

As part of her testimony, an exhibit was introduced that supposedly were Holmes “rules” for daily business life.  They included:

·         “I do everything I say – word for word.”

·         “I am never a minute late.”

·         “I am not impulsive.”

·         “I do not react.”

·         “I am always proactive.”

·         “I know the outcome of every encounter.”

·         “I constantly make decisions & change them as needed.”

·         “I give IMMEDIATE feedback, non-emotionally.”

·         “I speak rarely.  When I do – CRISP and CONCISE.”

·         “I call bullshit immediately.”

·         “I am fully present.”

No one can condone the bad or illegal behavior (Holmes has already agreed to pay a $500,000 SEC fine), but the rules are enlightening.  How many do you follow, consciously or not, during your business day?  How many should you be adopting in your daily life?