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The LA Times has an interesting profile of a highly successful business person I’d never heard of, A. Jerrold Perenchio.

Mr. Perenchio worked for Lew Wasserman, launched Elton John’s career in the U.S., promoted the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fight as the first huge closed-circuit TV event, masterminded the on-court clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs as the famous “Battle of the Sexes,” co-founded the production company that produced “The Jeffersons,” “One Day at a Time,” “The Facts of Life” and “Who’s the Boss?”, co-produced “Blade Runner” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” owned the Loews theater chain, currently runs (and is selling) Univision, and is the largest landowner in Malibu.

Unlike most people who obtain such successes, he avoids the spotlight, entirely, even to the extent of avoiding putting his names on buildings when making a charitable contribution. I found his rules of management very interesting:

1. Stay clear of the press. No interviews, no panels, no speeches, no comments. Stay out of the spotlight: it fades your suit.
2. No nepotism, no hiring of friends.
3. Never rehire anyone.
4. Hire people smarter and better than you. Delegate responsibilities to them. Doing so will make your job easier.
5. You’ve got to know your territory. Cold!
6. Do your homework. Be prepared.
7. Teamwork.
8. Take options, never give them.
9. Rely on your instincts and common sense. If you go against them you generally regret it.
10. No surprises. We don’t give them. We don’t want to get them.
11. Never lose sight of what business you’re in. Stick to your “last.”
12. When you suit up each day it’s to play in Yankee Stadium or Dodger Stadium. Think big.
13. If you have a problem, don’t delay. Face up to it immediately and solve it.
14. Loose lips sink ships!
15. Supreme self-confidence, never arrogance.
16. A true leader is accessible: no job too big, no job too small.
17. Communication is our business. You can reach any of your associates anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
18. If you make a mistake, admit it. Just don’t make too many.
19. Don’t be a “customer’s person” (man or woman).
20. Always, always take the high road. Be tough but fair and never lose your sense of humor.

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