Our place in this world

This is the fourth and final pillar to success,  Value Everyone .  This is the most important of all. Merriam Webster defines value as having relative worth, utility or importance, something intrinsically valuable or desirable. With this definition we can assume that to value everyone is to treat others as though they have worth, utility, and importance; that they have an intrinsic value and are desirable. To value everyone is to treat others as you want to be treated, to be kind, to include, to speak with, to work to understand others, even those very different from yourself. So what does the above look like?  For years I told my daughters that people different from them were "Not wrong, just different."  People have intrinsic value regardless of job, station, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability, etc.   It's easy to be nice or speak to your boss or those "above" you in life.  But what about those "equal" to or ...

The third pillar to success,  Lead Courageously . Merriam Webster defines "lead" as  to guide someone or something along a way, to direct on a course or in a direction, to go through, to suggest to, to bring to some conclusion or condition, to tend to or have a result. Merriam Webster defines "courage" as  mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.  The ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous. Using those definitions, we can assume that to lead courageously is to guide, direct, suggest or bring someone along even though it may be difficult, dangerous or fearful. To lead courageously is to lead by example while always doing the right thing. This is despite how hard or uncomfortable it might be even though you may fear that which you must do. So what does the above look like?  In reality, it takes many forms, but regardless of your role in life or work you must kn...

The second pillar to success,  Accept Responsibility . Merriam Webster defines responsibility as  the quality or state of being responsible such as moral, legal or mental accountability, trustworthiness, something for which one is responsible. Starting with that definition, we can assume that to accept responsibility is to conduct oneself morally and legally and to be trustworthy and accountable.  I contend this is the second thing we must do if we want to be successful.   To accept responsibility is to stop pointing fingers and relying on others.  We need to come to terms with the fact that everything that happens to us, outside of accidents, etc., is in some way caused, affected, or influenced by us.  We must accept the good and the bad consequences of our choices.  And if there is a problem, we need to find an appropriate solution and fix it.  So what does the above look like?  It means that if we want a ...

The first pillar to success, Reject Passivity . Merriam Webster defines "passive" as lacking in energy or will, lethargic, tending not to take an active part, exhibiting no gain or control, receiving or enduring without resistance, submissive. Using this definition as our starting position, we can assume that to reject passivity would be to exhibit energy or will, not to be lethargic. We would take an active part, take control, resist, and never submit.  I contend this is what we must do in life if we want to be successful. To reject passivity is to be intentional.  For years I've told my daughters "Life is full of choices, but every choice has a consequence".  To be successful each day you must be intentional with your choices. You must make a choice to take that small step forward, do that one simple thing that will move you towards your goal and then do the next one and the next one and the next one.  This becomes habitual over time and a way of thin...

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 ...

As an HR Executive I often get employees or interns in our company inviting me to coffee.  They all have similar questions... How can I be successful in my career? What do I need to do to get promoted? Can you tell me what I have to do to be an executive like you? I'm always excited to get these invites and look forward to the conversations.  Nearly everyone who approaches me is younger and earlier in their career than I am.  And they all have a passion, energy and a desire to succeed and are willing to ask for help and then work to get what they want.  They are moldable and eager to listen.  I love helping those who want to be helped! Once we've gotten our coffee I always start by asking a series of questions... Why are you working? Why do you want to be more successful than you already are? What does success look like to you?  Is it a big title, a fat paycheck, leading people, prestige, what? What are you doing in other aspects of your life t...