The Four Pillars

Recently I shared questions I typically get regarding how to have a successful career.  Those conversations always lead to additional questions about what steps people can start taking now to ensure success.  Today I'd like to share with you the Four Pillars of success that have helped me along the way.

Robert Lewis outlined in his book "Raising a Modern Day Knight - A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood" four qualities of a real man, they are...

Reject Passivity
Accept Responsibility
Lead Courageously
Expect God's Greater Reward

I'm a Christian and believe the Bible, and so much of my point of view is influenced by that fact.  I realize that not everyone thinks as I do and as I'm an HR Executive it's not advisable to share my faith openly. Because of this, I've taken the liberty of revising the list and modifying their meanings to make them relevant for today's secular workplace regardless of gender or belief, while still having tremendous value for life in general.

I describe the Four Pillars as such...

Reject Passivity
Accept Responsibility
Lead Courageously
Value Everyone

I share the above Four Pillars with everyone on my staff globally.  We have these posted on the walls in our cubes and offices.  We talk about them during one on one development meetings.  I share them with our interns every summer.  I talk about them with anyone who asks me for advice or requests that I mentor them. The list goes on.  I am convinced that these four pillars will lead to a successful life and, as such, a successful career which is a part of their life.

Tomorrow I'll explain the first pillar, Reject Passivity.