Your 2017 Mission Statement, Conduct & Dress Code

You need a code.

You need a mission statement and code of conduct for your personal and professional life. Your code is a framework for your strategies and behaviors, your reason for waking up, and the filter for choices you will make each day.

Your code is also a personal brand statement and, as such, should include guidelines for honor, conduct, language and wardrobe.

Although absolute in its moment, it can be a work in progress and evolve over time.

If you don’t have your own unique code you can borrow one. 

Here are some classic examples:

The “Golden Rule.”

Also known as the ethic of reciprocity, it describes a bi-lateral and equal relationship between yourself and others.

1. One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
2. One should also not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated – the “Silver Rule.”

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Perhaps, the simplest and truest personal and professional code is from Melissa Mathison, the screenwriter of “E.T.” Ms. Mathison wrote this code for Drew Barrymore and E.T. , it applies to all of us:

"Be good.” 

Google / Alphabet has a motto derivative of "Be good...," they call it, "Don't be evil."

Paul Buchheit, the creator of Gmail, said he "wanted something that, once you put it in there, would be hard to take out", adding that the slogan was "also a bit of a jab at a lot of the other companies, especially our competitors, who at the time, in our opinion, were kind of exploiting the users to some extent."

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Today, at the dawn of machine learning and artificial intelligence breakthroughs, it may be advisable to reconsider this code, from Issac Asimov (from his 1942 short story, "Runaround.")

Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics"

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Dress Code: Steel-toed shoes

For more information: "Man Killed by Robot. Get Used to It"

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Snapchat's evolving mission statement:

• 2012: "Disruptions: Indiscreet Photos, Glimpsed then Gone."
• 2014: "Our products empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together."
• 2016: "Snap Inc. is a camera company. We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate."

Dress Code: Bright blue spectacles now replace the once ubiquitous ghostly white sheet.

Note: Twitter lists its mission as “a work in progress.” There is a message here.

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Physician’s Code (The Updated Hippocratic Oath)

1. I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.
2. I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures required, avoiding traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.
3. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.
4. I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.
5. I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know.
6. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.
7. I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.
8. I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.
9. I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.
10. If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter.
11. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

—Written in 1964 by Louis Lasagna, Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University.

Excerpts from the original version, circa 400 B.C.E. -

• "?μνυμι ?π?λλωνα ?ητρ?ν κα? ?σκληπι?ν κα? ?γε?αν κα? Παν?κειαν κα? θεο?? π?ντα? τε κα?π?σα?, ?στορα? ποιε?μενο?, ?πιτελ?α ποι?σειν κατ? δ?ναμιν κα? κρ?σιν ?μ?ν ?ρκον τ?νδε κα?συγγραφ?ν τ?νδε:"
• "I swear by Apollo The Healer, by Asclepius, by Hygieia, by Panacea, and by all the Gods and Goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and this indenture:"
• "διαιτ?μασ? τε χρ?σομαι?π? ?φελε?? καμν?ντων κατ? δ?ναμιν κα? κρ?σιν ?μ?ν, ?π? δηλ?σει δ? κα? ?δικ?? ε?ρξειν."
• "I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but never with a view to injury and wrong-doing."

Updated Dress Code: a white lab jacket and stethoscope.

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A code from a long time ago, far far away...

Dress Code: Jedi Robe

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Gangsters in search of a code

Examples of great codes can be found anywhere if you know where to look for them.

According to testimony and recordings from the FBI, Anthony Fiato and Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, actual New Jersey gangsters in search of a “code” of conduct adopted the famous line, “I’m gonna make make him an offer he can't refuse” from the film, “The Godfather.” They also adopted the concept of “hitting the mattresses” and even the chief executive officer title, The Godfather, from the film.

The “Godfather” was the most popular book found in the homes of arrested mob bosses; it was their reference manual. 

After assassinating Gatto for setting up the killing of Sonny Corleone, the character Peter Clemenza in “The Godfather” says,

"Leave the Gun. Take the Cannoli.”  

Clemenza's code included obedience to his wife who, earlier in the film, told him not to forget the pastries. Richard Castellano, playing Clemenza, improvised the line during filming. 

Dress code: chalk-stripe suits, slick hair.

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Serial Killers need a code, and shrink-wrap

Do you have natural impulses that impede your success? Most of us do. If so, you need a code to help channel those impulses in a more positive direction.

Dexter Morgan is a serial killer. He’s been a killer since childhood. His parents developed a fairly simple two-part code for him to follow. 

1. Don’t get caught.
2. Only kill other serial killers.

Like many codes; the rules are easier to articulate than to follow.

Dress Code: tight short-sleeved sport shirts.

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Honor, Code & Loyalty

In many contexts the choice to follow a code, or not, can have serious implications.

Colonel Jessup, as written by Aaron Sorkin in "A Few Good Men."

We follow orders son. We follow orders or people die. It's that simple. Am I clear?" 

You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. 

We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something . You use them as a punch line.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post…”  

Jack Nicholson had a code, and a uniform.

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10 Biblical codes of conduct (aka “Commandments”) 

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make (false) idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet thy… (Depending upon the version - “neighbor’s house,” “neighbor’s wife,” “neighbor’s servants, animals, or other property.”)

Dress Code:  Toga 

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King Arthur's Top Ten List 

This code of honor is associated with the medieval institutions of chivalry and knighthood developed in England during the twelfth century.

1. Loyalty to King, Country and God.
2. Forbearance and self-control.
3. Hardiness: health and physical strength.
4. Generosity.
5. Protection of the weak.
6. Never recoil from the enemy.
7. Opposition to that which is cruel or unjust.
8. Never lie.
9. Be the champion of good against evil.
10. To thy own love, be true.

Honor is achieved by living up to the qualities listed above. The loss of Honor is worse than death. 

Dress Code: Armor is optional, but highly recommended.

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My personal code - update for 2017: 

1. Listen more, learn more - double my “questions to answers” ratio.
2. Be humble.
3. Step outside my comfort zone. (I am taking classes in C+ computer code, Screenwriting, and Disruptive Strategy. In addition to MAGIC / Project and fashion events, I am attending the Consumer Electronics Show and South by Southwest.)
4. Be more generous with resources and information. Sharing is caring.
5. Always dress, and groom, as if walking onto a TED stage: It's about branding and authenticity.

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Please share your code for 2017.

(c) David J. Katz – New York City

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If you enjoyed this post, I'd love for you to hit the "follow" button so I can continue to share with you on a variety of topics. I also appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you for your readership.

If you liked this article you might enjoy my other posts, below:

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• 14 Robots Teach Themselves To Walk Into A Bar
• Man Replaces His Eyeball With Digital Camera
• Man Killed by Robot. Get Used to It
• Other Posts

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David J. Katz is executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Randa Accessories, an industry-leading multinational consumer products company. 

His specialty is working with suppliers, brands and retailers to innovate successful outcomes in evolving or disrupted markets. 

Named one of the fashion industry "Menswear Movers of 2016" by MR Magazine, he has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, MR Magazine, and Women's Wear Daily. He is a public speaker, co-author of the best-selling book "Design For Response: Creative Direct Marketing That Works" [Rockport Publishers], and has written over 200 published articles. 

David is a graduate of Tufts University and the Harvard Business School. 

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Image Credits:

Note: Rebellions may be based on hope... However, they succeed through strategy and tactics. - DJK

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Disney/Lucas Films, 2016

The Godfather, Paramount Pictures, 1972. (Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, based on Puzo's book) - Directed by Francis Ford Coppola 

Dexter, Showtime Networks, 2006 - 2013. (Based upon the books by Jeff Lindsay; adapted for TV by James Manos, Jr.)

A Few Good Men, Columbia Pictures, 1992. (Written by Aaron Sorkin; Directed by Rob Reiner)

The Ten Commandments, Paramount Pictures, 1956 (Written by MacKenzie, Lasky, Gariss and Frank; Directed by Cecil B. DeMille)

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Universal Pictures, 1982. (Written by Melissa Mathison; directed by Steven Spielberg)