What I've Learned

It's been an interesting twelve months, to say the least.

I have talked a great deal about leaving one of the worst schools in the city, only to land in one of the best. None of that really matters as much as the lessons I learned walking that road.

There are times when events force us to take a good, long look at ourselves. In those moments, you have to decide what kind a person you are. All of the usual analogies come into play. The long and short of it is that you have to make some decisions.

In the midst of it all, you might be fortunate enough to meet someone who actually knows a thing or two about leading people with dignity. Learn everything you can from people like this. They are a rare treasure and you should study them closely.

Here are some of the things I learned:

It's not wrong to quit on what I like to call "The False Idol". Don't waste your time working for/with anyone who is a leader in name only. Some people have a title, but lack the ability to fill that position with any shred of credibility or sign of competence. Don't waste any time on these people. It's beneath you.

If your boss has a right to demand big things from you, it isn't wrong to hold them to a high standard.

Just because a guy owns the suit, doesn't mean he knows to wear it.

If your boss swears freely in front of his/her employees, his/her brain isn't firing on all cylinders.

Take note of how your boss appoints his/her office. It is a reflection of what is important to him/her. If it is a mess or reflects some childish theme, you are in trouble. That ship is going down. Get off quick.

It is possible to be a leader without intimidating or lying to people.

Manipulation is a tool used by people who do not have the mental capacity to navigate the fine art of diplomacy.

There will always be bad people, you cannot avoid them. All you can do is rise above them.

Sooner or later, everybody gets theirs. What goes around, comes around. There is a reason why people have been saying this for years. It's true.

If a leader is a known liar, he/she lies to everyone. At some point, its going to be your turn.

There is no favor to be found with people like this.

Don't make enemies. They have a way of multiplying.

Good or bad, "deserve" has nothing to do with it.

Never...ever....kiss anyone's ass. It is beneath you. Simply do your job. Trust me, a decent leader will like you more than the person who is constantly buzzing around them with their lips puckered. If someone likes having their ass kissed, they weren't hugged enough as a kid. They have bigger problems than you can possibly solve.

Some people say they want to make a difference, but that is all talk. Most people will put the burden on their subordinates and take the credit for themselves.

Never trust anyone who has no business being at a meeting where they are not qualified to speak. This person is too close to the boss for all the wrong reasons and they will betray you and everyone else to get ahead and stay ahead. For instance; If the head groundskeeper is sitting in on a meeting about educational policy...that person has done something unusual to win such favor with the boss and should be monitored closely. Never turn your back on that person.

Nothing replaces good hard work. People will look favorably on you for being punctual and staying until the job is done correctly.

If the people you work for don't appreciate that, you are working for some bad people.

Beware any leader who desires a workforce of people without spouses or children. This person is an evil, self-serving prick. Don't believe a word that comes out of his/her mouth...not even "hello".

Never let anyone tell you who you are. Fuck all that noise. You know yourself better than anyone. Never miss a chance to look that person in the face and tell them to quit while they are ahead. Feel free to swear.

Don't be afraid to say when you don't have an answer. Instead, admit it..and prove your worth by doing everything within your power to find an answer and help someone solve a problem.

Never let a person get away with talking down your accomplishments. They are yours. Chances are good, you worked hard for them. No one just gives you anything worth having. If someone tries to talk down what you've done, give it to them with both barrels. You are a person and you are worthy of respect.

Great leaders don't have time to socialize. They are too busy doing things to safeguard the good thing they have built. Incidentally, they are also working tirelessly to protect you, whether you know it or not.

A good leader does not interfere when things are going well. They also do not spend their days, trying to torpedo their colleagues. They always play it straight. They do not look for loopholes to get what they want.

Great leaders are not pompous. They never miss an opportunity to recognize the people who support them. In doing so, they keep the allegiance of everyone around them.

No one likes a blow-hard. Good leaders do not step on everyone around them to prove they are great. They know they do not need to put their foot on someone's throat and pound their chest just to look like a conqueror.

Great leaders are not petty and they do not take things personally. They also do not take every opportunity they are presented with to make people suffer.

Great leaders respect the institution of the people beneath them. They do not seek to belittle the institutions that make their workforce feel empowered. These are the practices of small-minded men.

Good leaders forge their own identity. However, they respect the culture they enter and honor its traditions. If you get a new boss who tries to destroy a respected, long-standing member of your office, rise up against him. A move like this is only the beginning and you are to be pitied if you stand by and do nothing. As sure as tomorrow will come, you will be next. Count on it.

A great leader builds a culture, defends it and nurtures it by carefully choosing people who will replenish it with their efforts - day in and day out.

Appreciate the people who put their faith in you. When the moment comes, thank them.

Finally...

Sometimes, you need luck to get something you want. Once you get there, it's all on you. Be ready to seize your moment when it comes. When the hype dies down and your celebration ends, you are "on". No one cares how much you suffered and struggled to reach this point. People want results. Do more than just "come through"...over-deliver.


There is a Japanese proverb that reads, "If you sit by the river long enough, you will see the body of your enemy float by."

It's true. With that in mind, keep your enemies few. You don't need them junking up your drinking water or polluting your ocean. After all, despite what they want you to believe....the world is actually yours.

At least, that's what I've learned.

(Special mention to my friend James for sending this adding, "You should create an addendum to this by posting a link to “Happy Hour is 9 to 5” by Alexander Kjerulf

It’s about being happy with the work you do and not simply equating it to money, an office, travel ,etc.")

You can check that out at the following link:

http://positivesharing.com/happyhouris9to5/bookhtml/happyhouris9to55.html