I love what I do! I view each day as a gift. With this gift comes the responsibility to teach, encourage, praise and lead others in a way that allows them to face challenges, contribute and grow. I have had the opportunity to learn from great people throughout my career.
I have sought mentors and embraced ideas that I continue to use throughout my work and my life. As I face complex issues, I reflect back on the tenets that have helped me every day.
- THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL. Never say “no!” It may take more time or resources, but there is always a way to say “yes.” Don’t stop before you start. Lay out all the alternatives, and then make a decision based on that information.
- HIRE PEOPLE SMARTER THAN YOURSELF. Your job is to lead. While you don’t need to have all the answers, you do have to know how to find them. Hire experts in their areas, and then use their knowledge. A great staff makes a great company.
- OPERATE WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY. Follow the golden rule. You’ll get the same respect you give to others.
- LET EVERYONE WIN. It’s OK to leave something on the table. The best deals are made when all parties leave the room feeling like they’ve won something. Give a little and it will come back to you down the road. People do business with people. If all parties leave with a good feeling about a deal, they are sure to welcome you in the future.
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE. Keep your life interesting. My mother used to say, “If we all thought alike, the world would be a very boring place.” Take it all in! Diversity is what makes this a great world.
- GIVE BACK. Remember where you started. We all have our favorite charity or cause. It’s important to be a part in building our future and our future leaders through mentorship, board participation, and religious or spiritual affiliations.
Last but not least, we all need to find our touchstones for growth and success. Aside from the many business challenges we may face, keep in mind that we still need to maintain a balance in our lives
