There are many times when I've referenced one of my approaches to life - WWJD (standing, of course, for What Would Jane Do?), but I've realized that I don't talk very much about the other big WW that I follow - in this case, not Weight Watchers, but WWPD (What Would Pat Do?).  Last week my dad sent me the notes from a presentation he gave recently.  My dad has had a very successful business career and is in stage three of his almost-retirement plan.  He's had a lot of jobs including salesman, toilet cleaner, soldier, student, accountant, business development, and management positions.  He's very smart and I respect his approach to business.  It's an interesting thing to watch your dad's career without ever having actually worked with him directly.  I've learned a lot about him by the advice he's given me when we talk about business issues, and from hearing the stories that his co-workers and peers tell about their interactions. 

Since many of us are not at the point in our careers where we're within arms reach of retirement, I thought you'd like to hear a little WWPD advice for yourself:

Lessons Learned by Pat Mitchell During His Working Career
It should be obvious from my gray hair that I'm late in the fourth quarter of my working career.   I would like you to learn the easy way, some things I have learned the hard way.   Some of these you have already learned, but I will mention some that you haven't learned.

1. Be Honest - It has been fairly easy for me to be honest.  I have found that I have a limited ability to remember conversations, facts and data.  I'm clearly not capable of adding fiction to my limited memory.   From a practical perspective I have no choice but to be honest.  You will find that when you have a reputation of being honest, that most people will go out of their way to be honest in their dealings with you.  It creates a wonderful platform on which to base your career.

2. Respond Positively - Throughout your career, your supervisor, top management or your employer will ask you to take on additional responsibility or change positions within the company.  I recommend that whenever that happens, you should quickly respond with "yes and thank you for asking".  When someone makes this type of request you are being sent one of two messages:
a) We like what you have done and we want you to change assignments and help us improve another area in the company.  You are the best person for this new assignment.
b) We don't like what you are doing and we would rather have you tucked in a corner or would like it if you left the organization.

3. Provide Your opinion - Always be prepared to provide your opinion.  Be sure you have grounds for your opinion, but freely provide your opinion on the issue.  Don't be a yes person and agree with your supervisor or the owner.  Understand that sometimes there is a time and place for your opinion, particularly if it is the opposite of the owner.   You can later meet one on one and state "I've given this a lot of thought, collected some additional data and here is my suggestion".  Don't agree if you disagree, but be careful when and how you disagree.

4.  Don't Worry About Job Security - Have a one on one meeting with the person in the mirror.  Convince the reflection that you are talented, your skills are in demand and your employer is lucky to have you on the team.  With your skills and experiences you have tremendous value in the marketplace.  I have always felt that I could find another job that is equal to or better in 3 months, 6 if it is a very tight market.  Having this opinion of yourself will give you the self confidence to take new assignments, provide your opinion and be a leader.  You will not go through your career gathering reference material for your resume.  You won't waste time updating your resume.  When called by a head hunter you can immediately say, I have no interest.  You will never look at the want ads under employment opportunities.  You will provide 100% to your employer.

5. Create a Support Group - We all have intellectual limitations.  There is not one person who has the best answer to every question.  Between you and your support group however, you can find the best solution to any issue or problem that you will face.  The support group should be very informal.  Those on your support group may never know they are on it.  When you face a complex issue meet face to face, one on one with members of your support group.   Explain the situation and ask for their thoughts.  Jot down the ideas as you meet.  Later go to another member of the support group and repeat the process, with one exception, include ideas received from prior discussions.  Repeat this process until you understand all sides and have a solid decision.  Often I would go back to the support group and review my conclusion.  When you select your support group get members from across the organization as well as up and down the organizational chart.  Rarely are all the great thinkers at the top of an organization.

6. Learn From Mistakes - Not just your mistakes, but also the mistakes of others.   Hopefully, you and those you work with are willing to take chances and when we take chances we risk failure.  It is ok to fail, but is it wrong if you fail to learn from the mistakes.  Support others that take chances and fail.  Encourage them to keep trying.

7. Responsibility is not just given, it usually is taken.  Don't be timid, be aggressive.   If something needs to be done, do it and continue to do it.  If you overstep your bounds, back off for a short period of time, and then get aggressive again.  Watch carefully who is concerned about you overstepping your bounds.  If it's your supervisor, talk about it.  If it's your peers that are concerned don't bother talking about it, they wouldn't understand your explanation.

8. Understand that it is impossible to complete every task and assignment that crosses your desk.  Daily prepare a list of tasks for the day and create a priority ranking.  If you aren't sure of the importance of each task periodically review the listing with your supervisor or an associate.  You need to feel comfortable at the end of the day that you accomplished a great deal and not worry that some items were not completed.

9. Keep a balance between your family time, personal time and work time.  There are times when work is the priority and others times when your family is the priority.  Make a conscious effort to keep things in balance.  Both the quality and quantity of your work will suffer if you have family issues that need to be addressed.  Both your work and family will suffer if you neglect yourself, gain weight, and fail to exercise properly or develop health issues.  Keep things in balance.

10. Be sure to include fun in your work.  I have fun at work and have fun with my fellow workers.  Occasionally my fun has been at their expense.  When you have fun, you are enjoying your work and will look forward to being at work.

11. Lastly, but most importantly successful people have a supportive family.  Thank your family for the role they have played in making you a success.  You could not have done it by yourself.  They have played a major role in your success.

If you incorporate these simple lessons that I have learned you will have a successful career, a good family life, will be respected by your associates and will have every reason to be very proud of your accomplishments.
*****
Thanks for sending it dad and for being willing to let me share it here.  It is excellent advice, and I sure am proud of you.