I was reading Fortune’s “Best Advice I Ever Got” story and it got me thinking. What’s the best advice I’ve gotten as I’ve journeyed through my career?
1. Never be afraid to get your hands dirty.
2. Lead by example.
3. If you write down your dreams, you’re more likely to accomplish them (those of you who have been in my office know I live this one).
4. It’s okay to fail, if you pick yourself up and try again.
5. Treat everyone the same; you never know when your intern will be your client. Or, as Bill Gates says, the geeks run one of the largest companies in the world.
6. Actions speak louder than words.
7. Do what you love…love what you do.
8. Employees may not do things the same way you did them, but if it’s good, who cares? This also works in marriage: Your spouse may not make the bed the way you do, but as long as it’s made, who cares?
9. OBEY your instincts (I keep writing this because someday I’ll actually start doing it).
10. People will say bad things about you and try to make you look bad. Ignore them and stay the course.
11. Hire a coach. Even Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods have coaches.
12. Manage the culture and protect the brand. After all, it represents the whole of you.
13. Read voraciously.
14. Review financials EVERY DAY.
15. Create a succession plan.
And my favorite because it’s something my mom has said to me my entire life: Remember who you are and what you stand for.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?