Some "do not do" thoughts

So here’s a few “do not do” thoughts for today:

1. Don’t seek advice unless you actually want it. 
2. Don’t seek advice because someone else tells you you need it unless you believe that to be true.
3. Don’t seek advice unless you’re prepared to try it.
4. Don’t seek advice only from those who will tell you what you want to hear.
5. Don’t seek advice for areas that don’t truly hold your interest or from people you do not respect.
6. Don't offer advice unless unless someone wants it.
7. Don't offer advice you are not prepared to try yourself.
8. Don't offer advice unless you are willing to help with the implementation.

Sometimes it's okay to just take advice from yourself. :-)

Be Remembered

How do you wish to be remembered? I don’t mean when you’re dead – but after you’ve left the room? 

First, don’t confuse remembered with memorable. You don’t have to stand out and shine every time. Memorable might best be saved for speaking engagements, great nights out and a great shoe score. 

Being remembered can be that 
• your name is kept in mind
• your idea was considered
• your personality was noted
• your offer was mulled over

Being remembered simply means you made a sincere emotional connection with someone. It doesn’t have to be life altering. Perhaps you made them smile. Perhaps you offered sincere comments or made eye contact. Maybe you just listened with all your attention.

Part of your impression comes in your introduction, some in how you participate in conversation and some in your follow up to a meeting or coffee. You have three clear opportunities to be remembered. Plan for them. Make the most of them. Like any good habit - prepare and do it regularly.

Success to me is...

Success is not measured by how many hours you put in or how many projects went in under your watch. It is measured by the legacy you leave which has rippled outward and the value you provided along the way through both your influence, relationships and achievements. 

Aim high. Build communities. Expect participation. 

Simple language = Clear thoughts

Stories do not always need long introductions.
Ideas do not always require adverbs and adjectives to get buy-in.
Longer explanations should come after the listener has requested more detail.

While studies show that listening skills are some of the most valued in business, many do not make it easy on the listener.

Can you state your main message - the one thing your audience must know - in one sentence?

It takes practice.
It is similar to the thesis statement we hated writing in grade 10 English class.
It is the sizzle - the heart - of capturing attention in a business world.

Say your idea/message simply to show your thinking as crisp and precise.

Advantages of older women

Older women might

• Laugh and sometimes pee a little at the same time (go ahead, guys, try it...)
• Look down at their less than perfect tummies and think "a baby came out of there" or "that was a meal worth having"
• Get a tattoo and have no one ask how it will look when they're wrinkled 
• Forgo "period" undies and wear pretty ones every day
• Wear cool vintage by shopping in the back of their own closets
• Have a long loud belly laugh without embarrassment
• Wear blue-hair and make it really blue... or turquoise... or even purple
• Act "immaturely" and have it called "being young at heart"

Perhaps most importantly

• Have nothing to prove while maintaining a drive to learn
• Mentor and be mentored with little ego and lots of insight
• Understand that work/life balance is simply prioritizing & choices
• Believe that being grown up does not mean being static or finished
• Allow themselves to choose based on interests & passions vs. peer pressure or manager preference

Anything to add?