Some years ago Dick Brewer wanted to pass some advice to talented engineers who were new to the contract services world. His words are as true today as they were then and they are now part of the GeoLogics Contractor Code
The GeoLogics Contractor Code
The customer is always right.
Do not insist on being right.
Be right.
The job is important to the customer.
It does not matter what the job is.
There are no boring jobs.
Do the job.
Finish the job.
The customer decides when the job is done.
Do not complain.
Do not complain to the customer, about anything.
Do not criticize anything.
Do not proselytize the customer's staff.
Leave your ego at home.
Do not tell anybody how much you make.
Do not ask anybody how much they make.
Do not give advice.
Unless:
a. It is asked for,
b. It is technical.
When you make technical recommendations, document them.
Work the hours the customer wants.
Charge the customer only for the hours worked.
Do not conduct personal business on customer's time.
Do not wait to be managed.
Do not stand out for the wrong reasons.
The wrong reason is: funniest, sloppiest, loudest, most political, or being a
management problem.
The right reason is: best technical.
Our only product is a satisfied customer.
The customer will try to hire you, maybe on the first interview.
The ultimate review is the customer extending your contract.