Skip to content

Don Keough's (CEO Coca-Cola) 11 Rules on "HOW TO LOSE": 1…

“Don Keough's (CEO Coca-Cola) 11 Rules on "HOW TO LOSE": 1. Stop taking risks 2. Be content 3. Never deviate from what the founder did 4. Be inflexible 5. Rely totally on research and experts 6. Concentrate on competitors instead of your customers 7. Put yourself - not the customer - first 8. Solve…” quote by Donald Keough
Download Open image
“Don Keough's (CEO Coca-Cola) 11 Rules on "HOW TO LOSE": 1. Stop taking risks 2. Be content 3. Never deviate from what the founder did 4. Be inflexible 5. Rely totally on research and experts 6. Concentrate on competitors instead of your customers 7. Put yourself - not the customer - first 8. Solve administrative concerns first 9. Let others do your thinking for example, headquarters 10. Rely on T-G-E: "That's Good Enough" and T-N-M-J: "That's Not My Job!" 11. Rationalize slow growth”

Donald Keough

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The eleven rules describe habits that lead to stagnation and failure in business, emphasizing risk aversion and self‑interest.

In simple terms: Following these habits leads to loss.

Key Takeaway

Avoid these habits to foster growth.

Themes

leadership risk innovation customer focus

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

business motivational

When to use this quote

  • company strategy sessions
  • entrepreneurial training
  • performance reviews

Key Concepts

organizational behavior decision making growth strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which of these habits appear in your organization?
  • How can you replace them with proactive practices?
A Different Perspective

Some rules may be context‑dependent and not universally harmful.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Donald Keough

Explore all 5 Donald Keough quotes

More Administrative quotes

Browse all 137 Administrative quotes