The 10 Best Lessons I Ever Learned From Tough Bosses and Editors

Growing is painful, or so we're told. It's never a joy at the time, but in hindsight those jarring, embarrassing, soul search-inducing moments we have with our difficult bosses and editors can push us toward a higher level.

I was thinking today about some of the lessons my tough bosses taught. Without naming names or publications, here they are - in no special order:

1. Don't reveal your reporting methods in the story, other than to say "by e-mail" or "by phone" if appropriate. For example, don't say "Joe said Ginger was a difficult boss after he looked at my picture of Ginger on the desk." It's important to keep everything in the right context, but don't pull up the curtain for your reader.
2. If you're quoting excessively, you probably don't know what you're talking about. Do enough reporting and research to thoroughly understand your subject. Use The Economist as a model for how to do it right.
3. Just write "he said" or "he says" and don't feel the need to embellish with cutesy "he shared" or "she gushed". Maybe she did gush, but isn't that your opinion? There are exceptions, but err on the dry, professional side.
4. Don't write when you're sick. I know it's the American way and all, but if you're like me, when you have a fever you're better off under a down comforter watching a series of "Who's Life Is it Anyway?"s and blowing your nose with only your dog watching.
5. If you've got it, flaunt it. OK, I wasn't really taught that but I sort of learned that on the job. Sort of difficult when you no longer have "it" but remember, you'll always have that witty sense of humor. Use it to soften up a difficult source. They might just reveal more than you thought they would.
6. Always proofread your work - multiple times. I learned over a decade ago not to rush the process. The first draft is always fast, but that first gust is always inspiration in need of a good sweat. Even on a  daily -- especially on a daily -- polish.
7. Don't blow up at anyone if they misspell your name or sexualize your lead or insert a weird adjective for a landmark building. These emotions are better left for you alone or with a beer, best friend and punching bag.
8. Someone will always be ahead of you so don't give yourself an ulcer always having to be the best. This is a subjective business and editors can be inscrutable. Don't ever assume you know how to please them. Just keep pleasing yourself and be pleasant along the way.
9. Don't drink six Cosmopolitans with visiting British colleagues. Especially on the night before you go to press. Ouch...
10. Finally, don't make out with anyone who shares the name of your boss and then dump him. If you are going to date a Herman and your boss is also Herman, at least give it the old college try. Chances are your boss won't take too kindly to his doppelgänger getting the shaft, especially over Cosmos.