The mother of all success is discipline. Think about your major accomplishments over the last year, five or ten and you will see that they (whether personal or professional) were heavily dependent on your ability to be disciplined. Did you complete a degree; get that new job; change your career entirely; move across the country or across the world; have …
Courtesy is not consent
Courtesy is not consent. If someone is kind to you and answers your e-mail or a message on LinkedIn that does not mean they have agreed to meet with you, have a call or to be added to your mailing list.
Movement is not achievement
While almost certainly one has to move to achieve things, movement alone is not enough. Being busy is a “badge of honor” for so many of us in the United States (much less in other parts of the world), but is being busy actually contributing to your desired outcomes and achievements? When was the last time you have audited your …
Good ideas are polite
Good ideas won’t interrupt you rudely and unexpectedly in a middle of your day, during a meeting or a call. They will patiently wait for you to seek them out, to do your research, to speak with others and perhaps even read a few books along the way. If you are looking for change, progress and growth, it is up …
Be brave and honest, your future depends on it
Build your credibility as someone who speaks their mind and tells the truth even when that might not be “popular.” Remain professional and respectful, but refuse to blend in into the background noise and do what you can to get off the path of least resistance. Do what is right for the organization that you are a part of and …
Don’t compare yourself to others
While it is valuable to be inspired by the actions of others, one should never attempt to emulate and recreate someone else’s life or career. Instead, focus on being the best version of yourself and live your life and forge new paths on your journey into the unknown.
Cross the finish line
We all have projects, goals and potential accomplishments which have dragged on for way too long. Some of them are 90% done, yet we have spent the last year, or two without any major progress from that point in time. Why is this the case? Are we no longer interested, motivated, inspired? Do we have other priorities? Whatever the reasons …
Difficulties with dual reporting
You have two bosses? Not good! Here’s why. While I believe that all power and authority should not be concentrated within one man or a woman and that others should be enabled and empowered to act and make decisions, it is important to be clear on who is leading what area and who has the final say. Having said that, …
Work is not everything
While working, do your absolute best, but find ways to break up your work routine with other areas of interest and value such as family, health, friends, sports, travel…doing nothing. Yes, at times, you should do nothing, sit, relax and think about your plans and goals. Be intentional with your most valuable asset, time and don’t dedicate all of it …
Executives make decisions
Executive leaders must be capable of making decisions and acting on them. As a leader or someone aspiring to leadership positions, you should always do your due diligence in gathering data and information, speaking with others in the same industry (and outside of it), but in the end, you must make a decision. Always know that your teams are looking …