Twenty-five rules for work and life
Adapted from What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen A. Schwarzman
1. It’s as easy to do something big as it is to do something small.
I’m not sure I agree entirely with this statement. I like the premise but is it as easy to become President of the United States as it is to be a small-town mayor?
No.
At the same time, I ascribe to the sentiment that time will pass one way or another. So, why not use that time wisely and shoot for audacious goals?
2. Executives are made, not born.
I would take this further and state that leaders are made and not born. You needn’t have innate leadership qualities to be a good leader and make a fine executive. Taking advantage of inborn qualities is always nice, but never doubt your ability to teach yourself, learn from others, and grow to great heights.
3. Write or call the people you admire and ask for advice or a meeting.
It is incredible the number of times I have done this, and people have responded. Do so in a non-threatening way and, potentially, offer a solution to a problem you know they or their company is experiencing. Don’t come at such requests with only yourself in mind.
