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Practical Tips from Leaders

by Carl Mays    

Ask for help.  If you think you’re in over your head, you probably are.  Ask someone for help before it gets out of hand.  Most people enjoy being able to help someone.  So, not only will you save yourself from embarrassment, you’ll also make a friend and an ally.

If you don’t know something, don’t try to bluff.  Just say, “I don’t know.”  If you make a mistake, admit it.  If you’re wrong, apologize.  If you’re at fault, accept the blame.

If you are right about something, don’t gloat.  The only time you should ever use the phrase, “I told you so,” is if someone says to you, “You were right.  I really could succeed at that project.”

Never gossip.  If someone wants to gossip, politely let the person know you are not interested.  There is an adage that rings true: “When someone gossips, two careers are hurt – the person being talked about and the person doing the talking.”

Don’t think you are above doing any task.  Be the good example and pitch in – especially if the job is one that nobody wants to do.

Don’t compare salaries.  Keep yours to yourself and don’t ask others what they make.  Discussing salaries is always a no-win situation.  Either you will be upset because someone is making more than you or someone will be upset at your larger salary.

When you don’t like someone, don’t let it show and don’t let it influence your professional conduct.  This is especially true if you outrank this person.  Never burn bridges or offend others as you climb the ladder.

Don’t harbor grudges.  Let it go and move on.  Maybe you weren’t given the project you wanted.  Maybe you were passed over for a promotion.  Be gracious and diplomatic.  Build on it and grow.  Harboring a grudge will not advance your career.

Share the credit when you win and shoulder the blame when you lose.

People who spread credit around look stronger than those who hoard the credit.  People who accept the blame usually appear stronger to everyone concerned.

Tell the truth.  The adage here is, “If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember anything.”


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Carl Mays, professional speaker and writer, may be contacted at800-422-6946 or carlmays@carlmays.com. View his web site atwww.carlmays.com.