In school, I was a shy kid with average grades. I don’t think, any of the straight A students thought I would be where I am today. I am still in touch with some of them, and I know my career stands out. (Yes, I am tooting my own horn! Do cut some slack. On a day like this, I think I am entitled to it!).
So what got me to where I am today? (Obviously, it’s not my Einstein brilliance!) Below are 62 of the most powerful “on the job” lessons in my life. Just because I wrote it here doesn’t mean that I excel in all these areas. But I try……. I encourage you to share yours by leaving a comment below.
Team work
1. Style differences can create barriers between people, if you let them.
2. Be willing to give and take.
3. Step up and do the part for the team.
4. Recognize and accept weaknesses and strengths of others.
5. Set the right expectation to your team members, clients, superiors.
6. Re-frame your focus from who is right to what is right.
7. Understand that others may see you differently from the way you see yourself.
8. Let cranky people be cranky; don’t take it personally.
9. Participate in other activities; get to know your team members
10. Be fun to be with!
Getting things done
11. Commitment starts in the heart; Commitment is tested by action.
12. Put a stop to putting it off (procrastination!); challenge your excuses.
13. The best way to learn something is to dive right in to it.
14. Remember, the first step is always the hardest!
15. If things don't shape up the way you expect, it doesn’t mean everything else is doomed as well.
16. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
17. You will not have interesting work to do 100% of the time.
18. Be open to try out new things, if your present work becomes too boring.
19. Be responsible and answerable to the work assigned.
20. Take time to celebrate small victories.
Leadership
21. Give people hope; inspire them and gain respect.
22. Work to understand the style and motivation of others.
23. Be decisive; your career depends on it!
24. Position and title doesn’t come with automatic rights.
25. Be aware of the connection between your fears and your judgments.
26. Focus first on the what, then on the how, and only then on the when.
27. Delegate wisely.
28. Always focus on the real issues, not on blame.
29. Practice ethical leadership and followership.
30. The higher you fly, the more you will be shot at!
Communication
31. Express yourself clearly.
32. Listen in order to be understood!
33. Don't dodge the spotlight! Get over the fear of public speaking.
34. Speak up at meetings.
35. Write meaningful, unsolicited reports when required.
36. Develop allies in other departments.
37. Harness the power of humor.
38. Confronting an issue does not have to be hostile or aggressive.
Productivity
39. Before you can deliver stellar results, you have to define meaningful goals.
40. Write a clear action plan.
41. Set your priorities
42. Learn how to say “no” gracefully.
43. Stop trying to be a perfectionist.
Work/Life balance
44. Work is not life; life is not work!
45. Know the priorities EARLY;
46. During times of personal turbulence, sit tight and see it through.
47. When required wear a poker face.
Personal/Career growth
48. Identify your weak areas and try to improve them.
49. Distinct yourself from others; find out what make you uncommon.
50. You are as good as you decide to be.
50. Capitalize on your strengths.
51. Learn to choose your reactions, instead of reacting automatically.
52. No matter what you hear, or see, always believe in yourself.
53. Give and ask feedback.
54. Handle criticism gracefully.
55. Fight only your own battles, and choose them wisely.
56. Do your best, and make sure that your best is exactly what is needed.
General
57. Be punctual, it makes you appear smart (even if you are not!).
58. Learn from mistakes (Yours and others!)
59. Do what you say and say what you do.
60. Done means done!
61. Find a mentor.
62. Make it easy for your boss to promote you!
If I go on, I’ll be writing too many :-) I will leave you with one more sentence. Perhaps, it summarizes the entire post!
Be reliable, honest, respectful, optimistic, professional, and resourceful.
If you have any lessons to add, I encourage you to share them with us in the comments below.
