Career Advice From a Legend (My Dad)

My dad, Max Marlett , is officially retiring after today and is on to his very well-deserved next chapter. I'm so fortunate I was able to travel out to NC last week to spend a little time with him and reflect on some of the corporate pearls of wisdom he's given me over the years, many of which have dramatically shaped my success in my career.?

I decided to take a few minutes and commit them to writing, mainly for myself to look back on, so here they are in no particular order.?

Max Marlett Pearls of Wisdom:

#1 - We're all in sales; you are either selling or supporting the sale.?

#2 - Have a new boss? Be the first one to introduce yourself; don't wait for them.?

#3 - Dress up for interviews; it sends a message that you are put together and also are taking this opportunity seriously. It also doesn't take that much work.?

#4 - You're never too busy to ask someone how they are doing today and stay present for a few minutes while they answer you.?

#5 - If someone is having a bad day, bake them a loaf of bread.?

#6 - You know who likes corporate change less than you? Your direct manager. So, if a change is coming through, ask your manager how you can help them make it happen.?

#7 - Every single job you have is an opportunity to grow your career. Always go above and beyond.?

#8 - Your company doesn't exist to give you a job. Make yourself invaluable, and always ask your manager for feedback on anything they'd like to see you do better.?

#9 - Bad people managers are people, too. Try to empathize with them and see if you can find a way to make it work. But if you can't, bake them a loaf of bread, wish them well, and find a new job. Life's too short to be stuck with a bad manager.?

#10 - Keep things positive at work; when in doubt, always have a good corny joke to drop.

#11 - Let people know you see them. Small words of encouragement, a small gift out of the blue, or a funny GIF in an email all go a really long way to make someone's day.? ?

#12 - If you find yourself starting to write a really long email, consider picking up the phone instead.?

#13 - Take the time to build great relationships at work. Ask people to lunch, offer to do favors, ask about their family, and remember important details.?

#14 - Consider having a corny joke of the week you open meetings with. I actually dunno why this works so well for him, but it does :)?

#15 - Don't write or send emails when you are really frustrated/angry.?

#16 - Always find ways to participate in offered training at work, even if you are a year away from retiring.?

#17 - Lean into the corny/fun stuff at work (desk decoration contests, Halloween costumes, potlucks, etc.).?

#18 - Some of your co-workers are introverts; find a way to connect with them that's less intensive to them (like sending a funny gif).?

And finally, do you have a cold refrigerator in your house? Do you have access to clean water? Are you connected to the internet today??

Whenever you are up against a really rough day at work, keep things in perspective that you are already doing pretty well compared to the rest of the world and that a bad day for you is still a pretty good day comparatively. #YouGotThis?