As to methods there may be a million and then some, but principles are few.
The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Author & Philosopher, (1803 1882)
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While it can be more difficult to see initially, there is only one area of your life over which you have full control — yourself: The Perfect Role is Easy to DefineIt sits at the intersection of “what I am truly effective at doing”, “what I enjoy doing”, and “what most needs to be done”. Finding that spot can be much more difficult. Leverage Your SuperpowerFocus on your area of greatest impact, not your area of greatest effort. This is sometimes difficult to see, because it is something that is so natural to you that you may do it without even trying. Others Often See You Better Than You CanWe see everyone else more clearly than ourselves, so ask people who have worked with what you are best at, as they can generally see it more clearly than you. Work the ToolboxEveryone has a 'toolbox' full of experience, but only some of us actively use all that we have. Take inventory of your toolbox from time to time. It's amazing what you can find hidden in there. Lead, Regardless of Whether You Own a TeamI've heard people say that they'd like to be in a 'leadership role', but what they don't realize is that everyone already is (and it has nothing to do with people reporting to you). Urgency is Not a DeliverableHaving an appropriate sense of urgency helps prioritize your tasks, but don't confuse urgency with delivery. Both are important, but only one of them has value on its own. Know Your SphereWe all have broad spheres of interest, but much narrower spheres of influence. Knowing the difference is how you ensure that your energy is directed where it can make a difference, and not wasted where it cannot. Everybody Knows Things You Don’tEveryone you meet has had many experiences that you have not and have been many places that you have not. Listening to them will make that knowledge available to you. |