What I didn't learn in school

 

Twelve lessons I wish someone had shared with me

 

Meeting with university students is one of my most rewarding experiences. Their enthusiasm and desire to understand the "realities" of the professional world is infectious. To ease their post-college journey, I've developed twelve tools to take to work that I wish someone had shared with me when I was their age and that I wish someone would share with some of the executives, managers and business owners I've encountered!

 

Don't feel entitled. The world doesn't owe you a living. The sooner you take the responsibility for your own success and happiness, the sooner you can switch from blame to taking action. Holding a grudge robs you of your energy and hope.

 

Establish meaningful relationships. Whether at school or at work, teamwork is often the key to project success. If you're on a ship, the fact that that the gaping hole that is leaking water is on the other side is little consolation.

 

Make a good first impression. You employ marketing techniques everyday with our families, friends and colleagues. You rarely make a poor first impression on someone on purpose. But, sometimes you forget to try. You should make an effort to present your value proposition in most meetings and, at some level, eventually you brand yourselves, hopefully with a positive identity. Sell does not have to be a four letter word!

 

Support your supervisor or leave. When you least want to talk to our boss is the most important time to knock on his or her door. It is the individuals you dislike that you can often learn the most from by engaging in honest, respectful dialogue. Don't run from adversity.

 

Respect others. Gossip and negativity create disunity, reflect poorly on your character and drain your energy when you need it the most. There will always be something to complain about. So what?

 

You don't always have to be right. Co-workers who disagree with you aren't necessarily stupid. Other people usually want to succeed, too. Their values and perspective might just differ from yours. There isn't always a right and wrong way. Be an effective listener, seek to understand the other person's point of view and find win-win solutions.

 

Avoid negative behavior patterns. It is much easier to destroy than to construct. Yet only construction results in positive results and personal growth and reward. Look to engage in activities and business practices that contribute to a better world.

 

Expect difficulties. The environment reflects your internal life condition - the results of your past actions (both positive and negative) and your determination in this moment. If you look closely, you will see that you usually get what you really need, but not necessarily what you want, when you want it. Practice appreciation and look for opportunities to advance. Overcoming challenges is the door to professional advancement as well as personal growth.

 

Learn from your mistakes. And, also from the mistakes of others.

 

Seek out a mentor. Those with more experience than you can help you find your way - help you navigate through the muddy waters. Most successful people have had one or more mentors. Having a mentor can also help you avoid arrogance and close mindedness

 

Have hope. You can make a difference. Take pride in your abilities. One person can change the course of a class, a project, a company or an entire nation. Seek out positive people when you're discouraged. Every day is a battle to overcome our own doubt.

 

Concentrate on making a difference today. Each moment contains the past and the future. What is important is that you do our best today. That will set the course for the results you seek tomorrow. Or, as Frank Sinatra said, "Live each day like it's your last - until it is!"