Fast Company has a great article asking 12 very successful businesspeople what their greatest lesson has been. Some choice selections I like:
Scott Adams
Cartoonist
‘You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential…Realize that in some way you influence everyone you come in contact with.’
Katherine Hudson
President and CEO
W.H. Brady Co.
‘When someone offers you a challenge, don’t think of all the reasons why you can’t do it. Instead, say, “Yes!” Then figure out how you’ll get it done.’
Anthony Robbins
President and CEO
Robbins Research International
‘With simple steps, and a little understanding, every challenge can become an opportunity for personal growth.’
Jim Hackett
President and CEO
Steelcase Inc.
‘We all have tremendous potential, and there are a lot of areas in which we can be effective. And whether or not we reach our potential, our value remains the same – because it comes from “being human.”‘
John Peterman
Chairman and CEO
J. Peterman Co.
‘You’ve got to keep your successes and failures in perspective. Don’t let bad experiences debilitate or demotivate you. Many people berate themselves when they fail. This is the worst thing to do. If you beat yourself up all the time, it’s hard to get back in the game…If you let failure bother you, you’ll never succeed. Don’t fear failure. Learn from it.’
Check out what all 12 have to say in detail: My Greatest Lesson
January 5th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
“Every temptation is an opportunity to do good” — Rick Warren