If you have to have a policy manual, publish the 'Ten…
“If you have to have a policy manual, publish the 'Ten Commandments.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ten Commandments of Business, Robert Townsend, 1999
A concise policy manual should be simple, clear, and memorable, like ten commandments.
In simple terms: Keep policies simple and memorable.
Key Takeaway
Write clear, memorable policies.
Themes
leadership
communication
policy design
clarity
Mood
practical
direct
Type
instructional
strategic
When to use this quote
- company handbook
- training modules
- employee onboarding
- compliance checks
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
ten commandments format
simplicity
memory aids
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a ten‑commandment format sufficient for complex policies?
- How to balance simplicity with detail?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplification may ignore nuances.