Published on: Thursday, September 01, 2011
Business Secrets Your Kids Won’t Learn in School
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Kids are headed back to class, but, even in business school, few will learn the hard-earned lessons that come from years of playing corporate politics and hustling to get to the corner office. We asked ExecuNet members, successful leaders who have had the benefit of long-term real-life experience, what is the best business advice you can offer students about work that they won't learn in school?
President of a management consulting company:- Regardless of where you land, YOU need to take personal responsibility for YOUR future. Don't expect your employer to take responsibility for your career. Take advantage of opportunities to receive training in all areas. Your education is never over. You may be sick of books, but it is essential that you keep learning.
- Although you want to give your all to your new job/employer, don't neglect development of your "personal brand." Get out there and join appropriate organizations. Make contacts. Network. Don't assume that you will stay in one place very long. From day one, keep a file on those you meet and stay in touch. Read about personal networking.
- Learn to love change. Throughout your career you will need to manage change, both as one leading change and as one facing change. Nothing stands still any more. If you do, you will be run over. Read some books about change by John Kotter.
- Be nice. Learn to get along. Help others. You may be real smart and extremely knowledgeable, but much of your potential success will be the result of whether people like you. That's just the reality of things. That doesn't mean being a phony, a suck-up, a brown-nose. People see through that. Learn to genuinely like people and see past the things that may turn you off. Be someone that people like to be around.
- Do more than you have to. Don't try to just get by. Anyone can do that. Build a reputation as the one who goes the extra mile. And this isn't just for others to see. You will personally benefit when you approach things this way in all areas of your life, whether it be your career, sports, hobbies, relationships, etc.
- Find meaning to your life. Take time to examine who you are and why you are here.
Vice president of strategic marketing and operations for a well-known supermarket chain:- Any experience is good experience, but listen to your heart and take the time to build a serious life plan. The exercise of building vision, setting goals, developing strategies and measuring results will not only help you to succeed at whatever you choose to do, but can be applied to both your professional and personal life over and over again. Once you master this "secret" you will be invaluable to employers and employees alike, family and friends.
- When faced with a conflict, always ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" and "Will this matter in six months from now?" These two questions always help to neutralize any fears or doubts so that you can think clearly and make GREAT decisions.
- Lastly, always keep a smile on your face. It's one of the most important skills you can develop.
Chief technologist in the telecommunications products/services industry:- Never get a job; do what you love!
- Be wise enough to know when to learn, when to teach, when to act, when to follow and when to lead.
- Leaders never ask others to do what they themselves would never do.
- Everyone is equal; no one is superior to anyone else.
- Do not be afraid to fail; mistakes are the best teachers.
- Never repeat the same mistake.
- Be like nature; she changes constantly and adapts. You must be the same.
- Always question; be open to change.
- Just because something is a certain way does not mean you have to, or should, accept it. Challenge everything.
- Be strong in mind, spirit and passion. Opportunity favors the bold.
- Respect is earned, never given.
- Titles mean nothing; integrity means everything.
- Everything has a reason for its actions. See the reasons for the actions, and you see the reasons for everything.
General manager in the telecommunications products/services industry:- You will not likely get rich from your first job so get over it.
- Do not be worried about having worked at two to three jobs in the first two to three years following graduation. Experience is good, as it helps you to seek what you desire.
- Keep a notebook of things you would do differently if you were the boss because one day you could be.
Owner of a medical devices/equipment company:- Keep doors open and never limit yourself to a single opportunity.
- All of your bread in one basket is too risky because if you fail you don't eat. Learn from your mistakes, as you are going to fall.
- Trust your instincts. I found this especially true for coming into a new scenario. As often as one tries to be analytical, reality shows that you need to go with your gut on occasion.
- Have fun.
Let us know what other advice you would offer kids to set them up for professional success!
Robyn Greenspan
Robyn Greenspan is the Editor-in-Chief at ExecuNet, where she is responsible for setting and driving the editorial content engagement strategy across the private business network's publications and expert-led programming. She is also a Huffington Post blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @RobynGreenspan
Lessons learned from and about six-figure leadership and executive career management
