What I Learned (And Relearned) in 2022
Me, working the phones at a recent event in Covington, KY. Photo credit: FD Harper.

What I Learned (And Relearned) in 2022

January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany. I enjoy this time of year when we get all pensive and introspective, think about the trials and triumphs of the previous year, and look with optimism and energy to the year ahead -- our own personal epiphanies if you will.

Here’s my random list of things I learned (or relearned) this year:

Nothing prepares you for the worst. Except for being prepared.

There’s always another way to meet the goal.

As I’ve aged, I’ll admit that I sometimes see the challenges before I see the opportunities. In fact, to combat this, when I worked at NASA, I had a hand-written sign over my desk to remind myself to look at all the possibilities: What’s another way to meet the goal?

As I’ve aged, I’ll admit that I sometimes see the challenges before I see the opportunities.

(I created that sign to remind myself about the time I had one hour to secure a phone line inside the Michoud Assembly Facility before an impromptu live broadcast of the NASA Administrator with the International Space Station. Bad news: the secure phone line we successfully stretched across the expanse dropped from the ceiling directly to the podium didn’t work. Good news: the cell phone did).?

Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden (right, holding iPhone) talking to astronauts aboard the International Space Station live on NASA TV from the Michoud Assembly Facility.
Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden (right, holding iPhone) talking to astronauts aboard the International Space Station live on NASA TV from the Michoud Assembly Facility.


Overcommunication to some is under-communication to others.

Especially in the busy times, it’s best to overcommunicate every time.

What challenges have you faced? Think I’m wrong about any of these points? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to my newsletter for more tips like this.?

Dustin Russell

Leading State Government Relations Professional with Policy Analyst Expertise

2 年

I think I was on the receiving end of a look like that back in the day over something or other … lol.

Cortnee Wilson

Manufacturing Programs Leader at GE

2 年

All great reminders and tips. I say a lot in my head and forget to say it out loud :) OVERcommunicate! Likewise - applying the 'what's another way to meet the goal' is helpful when thinking about communicating. If it wasn't heard - what's another way to communicate the same message? My epiphanies from last year: 1. Reach out when you need help. Keeping in mind, asking for help isn't the same as off loading your work on to someone else. For me to feel comfortable about this I have to remember that relationships aren't formulaic. I don't have to earn help from others, nor they from me. But it all comes back to the aforementioned communication skills. Say what you need and let others decide how to meet that need. 2. Quit doing what you hate doing. Your time will feel like it is endless when you let go of doing the things you are doing out of duty. Cheers to what's ahead!

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