Business: The first thing we do

Some think Shakespeare may have had it in for legal eagles, since he wrote in Henry VI, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" (a plan I would vigorously oppose for moral and personal reasons). The SEClaw.com weblog puts it in context, however, by noting that Shakespeare is "actually in praise of attorneys" because the first thing those who wish to foment revolution must do is eliminate the brightest stars of society.

This truth is merely peripheral to the truism that has served as a wry touchstone during the past 15 years of my career. Throughout that time, I have drily observed that the first thing a new HR or marketing manager does in their new position ... is to issue a press release announcing their new position.