Top 5 Ways to Channel Jack Bauer at the Office

For anyone that watches 24, we know that Jack Bauer knows how to get sh*t done. If everyone just listened to him, the day would be over in 12 hours, not 24. So I started thinking that some of his way of getting stuff done can be transferred into the office.

1. Be bold to get results, even if it means using a hack-saw to saw someone's head off in a federal office.
As Jack said in Day 2, "That's the problem with people like you, George. You want results, but you never want to get your hands dirty." Sometimes you have to do things yourself, and you have to do the things that other people don't want to do.

2. Break the rules when you really need to, but play by the rules when it makes sense.
So far (I've only watched Day 1, 2, 3), after all the people that Jack has killed and internal protocols he has broken, he has somehow eluded jail. This is because after he breaks the rules, he then plays by their rules. He breaks the rules when it really matters in achieving the end goal, and then succumbs to the rules afterwards. On Day 3, he comes clean with his heroin use and leaves the decision to the higher ups.... seemingly ready to face whatever penalty they will give him. It gives the higher ups the sense that they still have control over Jack, even though Jack will continue to play by his rules when it really matters.

In business, sometimes you may need to break away from "how it has always been done" and break the tradition to get results. Easier done in a smaller, entrepreneurial company. Other times it makes sense to follow the corporate culture to get things done - particularly if you work for a bigger company or a Japanese company, as I have. Know when to use which tactic.

3. Use a commanding voice - people may not like it, but it gets results.
As Chloe said to Jack on Day 3, "I'm working on it Jack, but your tone of voice isn't exactly a morale booster." But in the end, Chloe gets it done. None of my staff have ever said that to me, but it would be funny if they did.

4. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
Even if you have to decieve the President of the United States, if you really believe in what you are doing and there's no way around it.

Similar to #2 above - sometimes you need to act quickly and it's better to go with what you believe is the right decision to achieve a goal. And if someone questions you later - explain the rationale for your decision and ask for permission for breaking protocol if you need to.

5. Know who to trust on your team.
Hire family members (your daughter), and never sleep with co-workers - they may be working for terrorists.

In reality, you have to rely on people on your team and across other departments. Bring in those that share your goals and who you know you can rely on to get sh*t done.