30 Things I Learned Before 30
Laura Wicks
HR Professional with full cycle experience in union and non-union environments. Demonstrated ability to partner on complex employee matters using educated judgment and exceptional interpersonal skills.
1. Take.Up.Space; and don’t apologize for it
2. Correlation does not equal causation
3. A university degree is not the be all and end all
4. People, and their opinions, can evolve over time
5. If you don’t find The Office funny, you will once you start working in an office environment
6. The customer is not always right, and that mindset has riddled society with entitled individuals
7. If you’re part of a marginalized or underrepresented group, you’ll need to grow a thicker skin; it’s not fair, but it’s necessary
8. Respect doesn’t need to be earned, it should be the default setting; loyalty on the other hand…
9. Relationships you form at work will be some of the most meaningful in your life
10. Delete passive language from your vocabulary (“Sorry, could I just say…”)
11. Do things that scare you
12. Actions speak louder than lip service
13. A little theatricality never hurt anyone
14. Effective communication is the most important aspect of an organization
15. You can’t fight, let alone win, every battle, you have to let some go; get over it and move on
16. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing
17. If the universe closes a door, open it (that’s how doors work) and leave
18. Don’t burn bridges but be honest about your experiences
19. Slow down (chill out) and make sure things are done right, not everything has to be done right.this.second.
20. Experience is key, you can’t learn everything from books
21. And don’t discount the insight of those with differing experience
22. It’s ok to say “I don’t know.” Whether that’s because you don’t have the information, or because the person asking shouldn’t be privy to it
23. Measure twice, cut once
24. Timing and who you know can be the best facilitators in career development
25. Not everyone has the same level of emotional intelligence, try not to hold it against them
26. Soft skills are more transferable, and can be more valuable, than hard skills
27. As much as you want to help, sometimes it’s over your head and not your call
28. It’s not personal, 99% of the time
29. "Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind." (That’s a Doctor Who quote, I had to have one geeky reference)
30. There isn’t a handbook for everything, sometimes we’re all just winging it
Retired, Curious, following some interests
4 年Very good observations Laura, I enjoyed your article. Hope you enjoy your 30's. If you are this wise already, life gets even better. Take care :)
Director, Training & Operations | Chairman of the Board & President
4 年All important lessons, but #21 is perhaps my favourite. Being able to see from another's perspective really only improves my own. Great list, and Happy Birthday!
District Sales Manager at Pizza Pizza Limited
4 年Great ????????????
These are great, and definitely all of which I wish I learned before I was 30! Great list!