The Hidden Cost Of Success

‘When you lay your head on the pillow at night- or in my case the small hours of the morning- you just have to believe that you did everything you could.’

‘Never compromise or second-guess yourself. It’s all too easy to be dazzled by the promise of experience, but tread carefully.’

‘I had to face the fact that I will always be a work in progress.’

‘It takes a certain humility to recognize that you will never have it all figured out. But learning to let go is critical. As soon as you get too attached to a certain way of doing things, failure is inevitable.’

‘Keep your eyes open and your camera phone ready. Great ideas can come from anywhere.’

‘We stayed ahead by constantly tweaking. Not reinventing so much as adjusting with subtle changes that added up to something fresh. True creativity never stays still.’

‘Anyone can be creative. It’s all about finding a solution to a problem, then taking action.’

‘When you’re going against someone, get into the numbers and cold, hard facts. Never give them the chance to dismiss what you are saying as biased or personal.’

‘… Sometimes no matter how hard you prepare or how much leeway you give yourself, that perfect storm will hit, and all you can do is get through it.’

‘You think that you know the business like the back of your hand and you are the only authority, but other people can hit home runs for you.’

You cannot out-give God.’

Source:

Brandi Temple (2017). Scrappy: Using Everything You Have, Trust Yourself, and Press the Reset Button for Success, the Lolly Wolly Doodle Way

Leading With Integrity

Before you can lead others, you must first lead yourself.

Before you expect integrity from others, you must first lead yourself with integrity.

Be fair and honorable in your business dealings. It’s the only way that you and your employees can leave a legacy to be proud of.’

Never lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do. The culture of your organization starts with you.’

Own your lapses in judgment. It happens to everyone. Correct the problem and return to being a person of good character.’

Only promise what you can deliver. The quickest way to lose trust is to overpromise and underdeliver.’

Be decisive. Don’t take too much counsel of your fears. Be thoughtful, but not paralyzed by indecision.’

Be humble in your demeanor and your expectations.’

You are not entitled to anything but more hard work.’

Attack each day as though it were critical to the organization’s success.’

‘Accept the fact that this will lead to zealousness and the occasional screwup. This overenthusiasm is better than a culture of inaction.’

Learn from your mistakes and be prepared to take the next big risk. Don’t let a single failure define you.’

No great leader was ever timid or weak-kneed.’

Source:

Admiral William H. McRaven (2023). The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)