Commencement
Commencement is a word that we hear a great deal at this time of year, in conjunction with graduation ceremonies. While graduation is about celebrating what’s been accomplished, commencement is all about anticipation of what lies ahead. That imaginary journey is often described in very general and grand terms, with the Valedictorian citing lofty expectations in the euphoria of the moment.
Commencement is seldom discussed, however, in the context of the most important things to keep in mind when entering a new position, joining a new company, or starting out in an entirely new career. My thoughts today are offered in this very practical context and are framed by these these four general rules:
1. Listen…….deeply, carefully and fully to each stakeholder you interact with and whose work your own will impact. Resist the temptation to act or offer opinions at an early stage in a new situation.
2. Understand……..the perspective of others, “where they’re coming from”, every bit as much as you seek to understand the business situation. Respect the history, while looking ahead to what’s possible.
3. Adapt……by tailoring your approach to the people and the situation. If the business utilizes interactive planning functions, this offers an ideal situation to tailor what you say (and how you say it) based upon what you have come to understand.
4. Deliver……for the benefit of Clients and the Company’s Vision. Don’t try to do everything all at once or worry about what your manager will think, or if she’ll notice what you accomplish. If you produce and she’s sharp, she will.
Remember that it’s not about you, it’s about those you serve. As Seth Godin would encourage, be a “Linchpin”! (If you haven’t read his book by this same name, I heartily recommend it.)
Always be yourself; approach new situations with positive energy and an open mind, stay flexible in the face of change, and your own commencement will lead you down the path to worthwhile results.
Commencement is seldom discussed, however, in the context of the most important things to keep in mind when entering a new position, joining a new company, or starting out in an entirely new career. My thoughts today are offered in this very practical context and are framed by these these four general rules:
1. Listen…….deeply, carefully and fully to each stakeholder you interact with and whose work your own will impact. Resist the temptation to act or offer opinions at an early stage in a new situation.
2. Understand……..the perspective of others, “where they’re coming from”, every bit as much as you seek to understand the business situation. Respect the history, while looking ahead to what’s possible.
3. Adapt……by tailoring your approach to the people and the situation. If the business utilizes interactive planning functions, this offers an ideal situation to tailor what you say (and how you say it) based upon what you have come to understand.
4. Deliver……for the benefit of Clients and the Company’s Vision. Don’t try to do everything all at once or worry about what your manager will think, or if she’ll notice what you accomplish. If you produce and she’s sharp, she will.
Remember that it’s not about you, it’s about those you serve. As Seth Godin would encourage, be a “Linchpin”! (If you haven’t read his book by this same name, I heartily recommend it.)
Always be yourself; approach new situations with positive energy and an open mind, stay flexible in the face of change, and your own commencement will lead you down the path to worthwhile results.
