Things Learned Along the Way.

I’m quite certain that no one has ever written anything on the subject of management philosophy, so I felt obligated to be the first person to ever do so…

I’ve been blessed to work with some smart people and companies over the years, and I have taken thoughts (or quotes) they used in their corporate philosophy, that I feel are great concepts to live by, and very valuable to remember in your career.

Assume Positive Intent (Courtesy PepsiCo) - If you could tattoo this on the back of your hand, you might see this often enough to make it as valuable a statement as it is. 

Stop. Take a deep breathe before you respond. Most folks aren’t out to get you. They aren’t.

Seek to understand, not to be understood. Dr. Stephen Covey

So as the logical next step to “Assume positive intent”, get clarity around things you don’t understand. It will save you lots of stress, and hopefully make you a better person, friend and employee/employer.

“You have two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion.” Epictitus, Greek Philosopher. A sound principal to live by. No one ever learned anything by talking.

“They won’t remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou. Read this often. Test this by bringing up names of people you worked with in your career. You don’t mentally say, “I remember that 137 powerpoint presentation they made. It rocked.” Make others feel a positive association when they think of you.

"If you are going through hell, keep going.” Winston Churchill. Life isn’t as easy your friends online personal profiles make it out to be. Life is hard. Stay positive and hold on. Just keep going.