Luckily for me, the CEO believed in me, more than I did in myself, and taught me how to use perseverance to PUSH through my fear, insecurity, and to both find and heal ANYTHING that held me back from achieving my potential. Here are a few of the lessons I learned from him:

Learn what you don’t already know

Never assume you know something. Leaders aren’t reactive or naive, but they do check the facts.

Assume positive intent

Always assume the other person knows more than you do, and has something valuable to teach. Even if that person works for you, or even if you don’t respect them. Everyone who comes into your life has something to teach you. Operating from “assume positive intent” makes you more coachable and as a result you will grow faster.

“Focused” passion ignites a team, but naive passion demobilizes a team

I was in a job where the CEO believed in me, and had found my hidden talents. The thought that I might be smart, caused me to be TOO passionate. I pushed too hard, was constantly excited, and naively tried to get everyone excited, as if that would cause them to follow me. I failed. Passion is an internal energy, and when harnessed well, your team will respond, People feel it naturally, when it’s harnessed effectively, you don’t need to ooze it all over them.

It's not about you

meaning, stop being so emotional and sensitive. This was a big one! I made everything “about me” – if there was a meeting that I wasn’t invited too, I worried about why, if there was an email I didn’t get, I thought I was being demoted. Its not about you, hardly ever.

Define the problem clearly, before trying to solve it

The world is filled with problem solvers who rush to spout solutions. They are dangerous. Great executives DEFINE the problem carefully, before offering solutions. They ask questions before offering any solutions, such as: “WHY are we doing this?” And “What is the problem you are trying to solve?” If you think you KNOW the answer…STOP and ask yourself if you truly understand the problem.

Saying less, actually says more

The smartest executives in the room say the least. The dumbest executives in the room talk the most. Think about it. When a smart executive speaks they usually ask questions that are thoughtful and insightful, and when they do offer solutions, they are usually DEAD on. The most respected executives usually communicate more by saying less.

I want the same for you! I want you to achieve all of your potential. ANYTHING is possible if you focus on a few of the tips in this article.

If you want to read more of the lessons learned, read a more in depth article here.