Stay human my friends

Ya know what? I love work. I really do!

I started in my Dad’s building maintenance business as a kid.?When I got to high school and college I found work to be my safe space and now here I am,?38+ years since college graduation. Work makes me happy because each day stands on its own merits - you have to earn your wings every day. And you do it with, and in service to, other people.

This week marks my last before I retire after joining EY over 25 years ago. My current role?as?leader of our first-ever EY's Facilitator Excellence team is one of my proudest achievements. I've gotten to build and grow a team of talented learning professionals - from both from inside, and outside EY.

This work has taken me all over the Americas, Europe, India, and the Caribbean.?I am blessed beyond all recognition. Since college graduation my career path hasn’t always been intentional. I fell into the Talent space and then Learning, and growing along the way.?And while I’ve been recognized as one of the Chairman’s Values Awards finalists and a Distinguished Educator Award winner, my favorite titles are “friend,” “husband,” and “Dad.”??

When I was asked for my “words o’ wisdom” upon the occasion of my pending retirement, I’ve come up with a short list of things that have worked for me in my career.?I hope a few will inspire you in yours:?

1. Care more about “human beings” than “human doings.”?We are all human beings first, with thoughts, feelings, joys and fears that connect us. Create an environment that supports “human beings” and the measurement of “human doings” will follow.?
2. Today’s peacocks are tomorrow’s feather dusters.??It’s “we” before “me,” every time.??
3. Faith, Family, Friends first, and the Firm will follow.?Get the order of business right and success will come.
4. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Let junior members of team take a whack at a problem,?then support them to the ends of the earth to build confidence in the "NextGen" of leaders.?
5. Sweat the ”small stuff” in others. Learn what makes them tick. Be all-in?with listening and curiosity. You’ll be shocked what it brings to the team.?
6. Use exclamation points?in work emails!?People crave energy and enthusiasm at work, and they’re oh so easy to add!?
7. Take the innocuous and make it fabulous!?Too often people are searching for the plum assignment to strut their stuff. It’s in front of you right now - take it from drab to fab with your unique thinking.?
8. Remove roadblocks every chance you get.?People are inundated with complexity at EY.?Strive to simplify and your brand will naturally rise!?
9. Be you, but don’t forget about everyone else!?We live in an interconnected world so while it’s good to let everyone be an individual, it’s of equal value to consider the impact of our actions and words upon others.?
10. If you are missing me...Remember,?a warm interaction, silly quip, or?shared moment in time will bring a smile to your face, and I will be there for you always!??

No need to say goodbye. Connect with me on Instagram (@bruesda ) or?LinkedIn !