There is an interesting video clip of an interview on CNN.com with former Gillette CEO, Jim Kilts.  The interviewer quotes some familiar advice in Kilts' new book, Doing What Matters. Kilts argues that one of the practices that fueled Gillette's success during the years he led the company was "Never Hire a Prick, Even a Smart One." And, indeed, Kilts has an impressive track record, having led turnarounds at both Nabisco and Gillette.  Kilts talks about how "prick" are smug self promoters and are destructive to the organization, and him it is essential to avoid hiring them or to drive them out of a company. As he says, they can get short-term results, but they break down people and organizations over the long haul. I prefer the word "asshole" because it applies to both men and women, but it appears that Mr. Kilts is talking about more or less the same thing. So I will add him to the list of leaders and places that use the no asshole rule -- which I think I will start calling The No Asshole Rule Honor Roll!

P.S. I just ordered the book and will write a little review of it after I've read it. He sounds like a great leader, but I am somewhat concerned about the huge payoff that Mr. Kilts is enjoying for selling Gillette to Procter & Gamble  -- although I do have soft spot in my heart for P&G as (starting with CEO A.G. Lafley) they are one of the most civilized companies I know and are also deeply committed to innovation.