Recycled THD Favorites – This is the letter I sent to my daughter Liz when she began her career.
Liz,
As you begin your career, I want to share with you some helpful suggestions that I have learned over the years.
1.) Meet and Remember. You can develop your people network by introducing yourself to others and remembering their names – if you treat everyone with courtesy and respect and try to be helpful, they will also remember you.
2.) Listen and Learn. Treat everyone as your teacher – you can always learn more, you can never learn less. Take a genuine interest in each person you meet – you will learn something and also build a relationship.
3.) Be on Time. Be respectful of others – show up on time physically and mentally.
4.) Understand How Others Think. Understanding is a two-way street – you need to consider things from the other person’s point of view.
5.) It’s All in the Presentation. You must communicate in the language of the listener – you can have great ideas, but if you cannot convey them to the listener, you cannot put them into action.
6.) Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Good plans shape good decisions – plan your day and work your plan. Prepare your daily ‘To Do List” and use it. Never mistake activity for achievement – ask yourself, “Am I spending my time wisely?”
7.) Make Yourself More Useful. It’s not how valuable you think you are, it is how valuable others think you are – always make yourself more helpful and give people more than they expect.
8.) Life Rewards Results. Provide solutions, not just answers – the best jobs go to the person who can deliver results without coming back with excuses. Do better work than others and keep on doing it.
9.) Only You Are Responsible for You. Do not make the mistake of thinking you are working for someone else – it’s YOUR job and YOUR career. YOUR success is based on YOUR commitment to be the best YOU can be.
10.) Most Importantly, Play Fair. All you have in life is your reputation and your integrity – always do what’s right.
Liz, Follow your dreams and enjoy the journey, and always remember – I believe in you!
Love,
Dad