Hard work is not enough to be successful.

One needs connections and improved social skills. This is why I design and adapt games in learning for my students to “force” them to solve issues and problems in groups. My concern is not who they are with me but whom they will become in a society where companies and corporations demand that they be with people they do not like. When they join an organization, they join people of different values and beliefs with diverse backgrounds — some people whom they will not naturally like. 

Many hardworking young people were under my care as their teacher, the same with those with exceptional relational skills. If there is one thing I realized based on who they have become and achieved in their adulthood, it is that you cannot work hard in isolation and expect to be successful. Whether you like it or not, life is not fair, and people aren’t, but it doesn’t mean that you, too, shouldn’t. The earlier you accept it without prejudice to yourself, the better your dealings will be.

Be excellent in everything you do. Work hard. but -

1. take care of the people you meet. Show interest.

2. memorize people’s names.

3. read books and magazines so that you can carry conversations with informed people.

4. have some jokes, puzzles, or interesting facts ready so that you can be a source of interest and merry-making in gatherings.

5. remember birthdays and anniversaries. Call, post greetings on his/her social media or send notes, emails, or tokens, especially those who are vertically crucial to your career. 

6. make time to attend conferences, weddings, parties, and sports games.

7. volunteer in your local communities, not because you need to, but because it is the right thing to do.

8. reach out when someone is in need. Don’t wait.

9. If a thank you is not sufficient, return favor with favor. Apologize when you cannot. Ghosting is not an option.

10. be sincere.

Hard work is grossly overrated and romanticized in performance management. Truth is, instead of working hard, WORK SMART.