Talent matters, a lot. When it comes to attracting and retaining top level performers (those who play nice with others), I believe that we could all do more. This pertains to people who are great team players, leaders, collaborators, communicators and have enviable functional skills. While money helps, it is not the primary motivator for all people which is why …
Keep asking questions
Keep asking questions as they will enable you to continue learning while contributing to the process at the same time. Don’t be someone who sits in meetings and doesn’t contribute with ideas, thoughts and experiences as that is a sure way to become irrelevant and overlooked when major projects and initiatives come around. As someone who wants to grow, learn …
Share your thoughts, ideas and experiences
Share your thoughts, ideas and experiences. Don’t hoard them for yourself, as there’s nothing wrong with enabling others to succeed as well. There’s plenty for us all, so what you can’t or don’t want to do, share freely as it might help someone else. “Power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it” – Unknown
Plan ahead, but live in the moment
Plan ahead, but live in the moment. Don’t allow today to be wasted because you are daydreaming about next week, month, year or even a decade. Always have long-term plans and goals, but work hard each day to get that much closer to those goals. Make progress one day at a time, patiently, yet efficiently and effectively.
You get what you tolerate
You get what you tolerate, in life and in business. If you attract and retain mediocre players and contributors, you are going to end up with mediocre results, outcomes and performance. This is also applicable to your individual careers as you have the final say on where you are and where you continue to be. If you have decided to …
Hire honest people
Who you hire matters, a lot! It is essential to surround yourself with honest people who will always tell you the truth, instead with those who will simply nod their heads in “agreement” with everything you might say. You want the truth, you want to learn from others as well and do what’s best for the organization overall, not only …
Improving presentation skills and knowing how to SELL
Knowing how to present, negotiate and sell are critical skills for your overall success. Even if you are not in “sales” you should know how to sell your ideas, plans, products, services and so on. This also applies to yourself as you navigate your career and look for new opportunities. Furthermore, quality of a product or a service is essential, …
Ask for help
Ask for help. As you are tying to grow, advance, get promoted or build a business it is important to use the opportunities to learn from others who may be further along in the process. Ask for help, ask multiple people and in due time, one of them (at the very least) will be glad to help you make progress.
Switching industries mid-career
Switching industries mid-career is a topic I come across frequently and those inquiring almost always doubt their abilities to make the switch successfully. While every industry and profession has its nuances, terminology and software used, the fundamental experience in areas such as leadership, management, technology, finances, marketing and the like don’t change that much. After all, P&L is P&L in …
Take time off to gain perspective
Time off is important and can be very valuable on multiple fronts. It goes without saying that it is valuable to take some time off from work, change the environment and create a bit of distance, both mentally and physically (I don’t believe in “staycations”) and actually leave the area if possible, unplug and immerse yourself in the moment (with …