Most likely you have heard about Lockheed or, later on, Lockheed Martin and everything they have created and built. Shortly speaking, you can see them as a prototype for "Stark Industries" from the "Iron Man" 🙂

And if you are into the history of the Cold War or the Silicon Valley history (which in many ways are the same stories especially early days) there is also a probability that you know a department called "Skunk Works". It is a team of engineers inside of Lockheed Martin who designed, built and tested most of those amazing fighter and reconnaissance airplanes they are known for.

The "Skunk Works" was founded by the guy known as Clarence Leonard "Kelly" Johnson. Absolutely legendary man. And he had rules which they applied to organize and operate the "Skunk Works" from Day 1.

Here are a few of them I like the most:

• Rule №1: The "Skunk Works" manager must be delegated practically complete control of his program in all aspects. He should report to a division president or higher.

• Rule №3: The number of people having any connection with the project must be restricted in an almost vicious manner. Use a small number of good people (10% to 25% compared to the so-called normal systems).

• Rule №5: There must be a minimum number of reports required, but important work must be recorded thoroughly.

When I found and read those rules for the first time it was just so exciting thing to see! And since than every time I see this sarcastic "so-called normal systems" line it makes me smile. Yup, I agree, old man, and I know what are you talking about 🙂 Amazing, isn't it?

Here you can find all of the rules still published on Lockheed Martin web site: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/aero/photo/skunkworks/kellys-14-rules.pdf

Here you can read more about the "Skunk Works": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk_Works

Here is a personal history of Kelly Johnson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Johnson_(engineer)

There is also a book on the topic: https://www.amazon.com/Skunk-Works-Personal-Memoir-Lockheed/dp/0316743003