Water Cooler Conversations

Congratulations to all of you parents out there that just graduated a high school, vocational school or college student.  Great job!  Now, you can stop reading this article and hand it over to your recent grad, because the rest is for him/her.

Congratulations graduate!  Hopefully you just completed a wonderful experience and are getting ready for post high school education or “the real world” of work.  In either case, here are a few pointers about the business world and people.  I wish I had someone tell me some of these things when I graduated from high school and college – I would have avoided a lot of bumps along the way. 

Define Success – Your definition of success will be a critical guiding principle on which you base many decisions.  I have met many people in my thirty-year career who measure their and others’ success by money, title, car, neighborhood and/or power.  If you do, you might find that you end up leading a rather empty life.  As you think about your definition of success, consider the importance of friends, spouse, children, family, ethics and community service in your equation.  The meaning of success may change a bit as you age and perhaps you will find that “climbing the corporate ladder” is a poor second to leading a good life.

Don’t Grow Up – You will find that most successful businesses (the kind you want to work for) reward creativity, innovation and risk taking.  These are attributes we all possess as children.  Unfortunately, in some other organizations, procedures, reward systems and promotions are often based upon employees following the rules, playing corporate politics and being risk adverse.  These types of companies kill the “kid” in people, and then management wonders why their people are not innovate, risk taking entrepreneurial top performers.  Go figure!  Keep being a “kid at heart” as you will be more successful along the way and have a heck of a lot more fun! 

Master Communication – It is critical that you can read, write and publicly present well.  These skill sets are essential in getting along with others, selling your ideas, resolving conflict and contributing to your company.  In addition, your ability to converse one-on-one or with groups will be an essential factor in your career success. If texting has diluted your interpersonal skill sets, you better brush up on how to engage in conversation without the keypad.  One more item – don’t forget to turn off your cell phone in meetings, presentations and your bosses’ office.

Keep Learning – Your graduation simply marks the end of one educational era.  In reality, you are really just beginning the learning process as you have about another forty years to go.   Read all you can, including general literature and career related information.  Ask plenty of questions and don’t be afraid to continually challenge yourself with new ideas, skill sets and technology. 

It’s Called Work – There is no substitute for hard work. You need to show up every day, sometimes early and occasionally work late.  Bottom line is that employers expect you to put in a full day and be incredibly productive.  You slack off, you lose.  Period. 

Flame on! – Probably the most important part of your career is to be doing something that you enjoy.  Living for the weekend is a horrible way to live.  If you are not enjoying coming to work most days, you are probably in the wrong profession and/or wrong company.  If this happens to you during your working career, take action and move on.  Do not stay in a dead end profession or job because you have a mortgage to pay.

Fail – It’s ok to fail once in awhile.  That simply means you are trying something new.  Great organizations recognize this and support employees that at least try to do something different, creative and innovative.  The people they write about in history books had many more “failures” than successes. 

Join the Winners’ Circle – If you plan to work for others, find a great workplace.  Do the research and identify companies that are known for treating their employees well, support career growth, are ethical and have a history of delivering high quality products and/or services.  In addition, surround yourself with other high achievers both at work and outside of work.

Avoid Jerks - There are plenty of great managers out there.  Find them, work for them and learn from them.  Unfortunately there are a few bad apples.  If you find one, get out fast.  They can and will make your life miserable.  Life is too short to put up with their nonsense.

Balancing Act – I wish you a great balance between work, play, friends and family.  Work is not everything; at least I hope it does not become that for you.  If you can figure out a way to manage your life holistically you will find that your time at work is more fun and satisfying. 

Lead – There is a huge leadership void in our country and in business today.  Because of this void, you and your generation have a tremendous opportunity to make a big difference.  Take the lead on ethical business operations, developing and maintaining great workplaces, taking risks and giving back to the community.  

It’s been thirty years since I graduated from college.  It went by in a blink of an eye and it will for you too.  If you believe, know and love what you’re doing, you will find career success rather than just getting a job.  There is a huge difference, you’ll see.