Five Practical Laws Worth Knowing

Murphy's Law, Kidlin's Law, Gilbert's Law, Walson's Law, and Falkland's Law each give a rule of thumb for work and business. They cover things going wrong, defining problems, growth, making money, and when not to decide.

1. Murphy's Law: Expect Things to Go Wrong

Murphy's Law says that if anything can go wrong, it will. It's a good reason to plan for trouble.

Project planning: Build in contingencies. Things tend to fail at the worst time.
Performance management: Expect errors, and help people steer around the common ones.
Risk assessment: Prepare for the worst outcome and limit the damage.
Practical creativity: Think through odd scenarios, because problems can show up in unexpected ways.

2. Kidlin's Law: Write the Problem Down

A problem that is stated clearly is half solved. Kidlin's Law says that once you can articulate a problem well, a solution is easier to reach.

Write the problem in a short, precise statement.
Look at it from several angles, including the causes underneath.
Brainstorm solutions.
Pick the best one and act on it.

3. Gilbert's Law: Making Sense of Work

Uncertainty at work often comes from not knowing what needs to be done. Gilbert's Law, also called the proportional growth rule, is applied to managing growth:

A company's growth isn't determined by its size alone.
Plan for growth by looking at proportional effects, not just size.
Adjust your strategy to the context.

4. Walson's Law: Money Follows Intelligence

Business success is tied to solving problems that matter. Walson's Law holds that money flows toward intelligence and value.

Find a significant problem that many people share.
Build a product or service that solves it well.
Keep refining it so it stays relevant.

5. Falkland's Law: Sometimes Don't Decide

Falkland's Law says that when a decision isn't necessary, the best choice is not to make one.

Step back and think when no decision is required.
Avoid impulsive choices, which can cause real damage.
Let a situation develop before you commit to a course of action.

Conclusion

Each law covers a different problem. Murphy's Law tells you to plan for failure, and Falkland's tells you when to hold off. Use whichever fits what you're facing.

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