What I’ve Learned

I have mentioned in a previous blog (or two) that I’ve had several different jobs that have taught me things that I think will help me when I start my own business. After the week I’ve just had I think it is time I cover some of the things I’ve learned from previous jobs. Now, because most of the things that stick out in my mind are things NOT to do (which I think can be just as educational as things TO do) I am not going to name places or people. I don’t even intend on giving specific examples pertaining to situations. What I do intend on discussing are the particular lessons I’ve learned, be they good or bad. So buckle up, here we go.

1. Integrity is essential.

Even though I have not been in what I call the real working world for that many years I have seen more instances than I would have ever imagined of individuals lacking integrity. According to Dictionary.com integrity means adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. To me, this means doing what you say you’re going to do. Period.

2. Follow a code of ethics, if nothing else, a personal one.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary ethics can be defined as a set of principles of right conduct. I have witnessed on several occasions people in authority breaking the rules and laws that govern the particular industry I was in at the time. And directly after breaking these rules and laws the individuals would turn around and insist their subordinates follow those rules and laws. Remember, doing the right thing is not always easy and doing the easy thing is not always right.

3. Set the tone at the top.

I have learned that an organization has the tendency to mimic the person in charge. If that person sets a good example the organization will typically function as intended and things will typically turn out well. If, however, the person in charge sets a bad tone (unethical, backstabbing, immoral, rude, etc) the organization will adapt a similar tone.

4. Stand up for your actions.

I learned at a very early age that a person must stand up for his or her actions. If your actions lead to a reward then the reward is your due. If you actions lead to a punishment, then that too is your due. Good or bad, always stand up for your actions.

5. Do the best you can.

It was third grade when I learned that I should do the absolute best I can. Any task you can’t give 100% to (I don’t go for that over 100% stuff because you can never give more than your all and last time I checked, that’s 100%) is not worth doing. The opposite of this rule is any task worth doing is worth giving 100% to.

6. Give credit where credit is due.

I have heard it said that everybody wins if no one is concerned about who gets the credit. I don’t always agree with this rule. I especially take issue with this rule when it is a superior who has very little to no input or impact on a project and then proceeds to take all the credit for solving the issue.

7. Lead with authority.

What I mean by this is you have to have a spine when you are in charge. When you are in a position of authority you cannot allow others to dictate your actions. I believe that it would be acceptable to listen to any advice from trusted advisors, but the leader must make the final decision. Also, as a leader you cannot try to please everyone. I have seen on several occasions a leader make no decision at all because someone might get offended or may be unhappy about it. I have also seen leaders that are afraid of confrontation and therefore side with the path of least resistance.

8. Support your employees.

Too often I have seen those in a position of authority throw their employees to the proverbial wolves at the slightest sign of a conflict, even when the employee is in the right.

9. Focus on job performance.

I have always said that I do not work in order to make friends; I work in order to perform a job. What I mean by that statement is that I do not care if you are my friend, if you are a male or female, if you are young or old, if you are white or black or any other race (as far as I’m concerned we are all humans). Too often I have seen superiors make decisions based on friendship, sex, age, race, etc, even if it is not the best decision for the organization.

10. Maintain confidentiality.

A superior must always remember that they are the boss and not divulge information that should remain confidential. Be that information a trade secret, a conversation between the superior and another employee, or a conversation between the superior and customer confidentiality should be maintained.

11. Be adaptable.

Too often organizations refuse to adapt or change and fall back on the old maxim of "This is how we've always done it." Even when the way in which things were done in the past is completly wrong, inaccurate, or completely out of date. Any organization that refuses to adapt is destined to go the way of the dinosaurs.
I’m stopping here for tonight. When it comes time for me to open my own business and have employees I promise to do my absolute best to remember and apply the topics I’ve just discussed.