The goal in the job [that you find hard to do] is to continually learning. No matter what job we have, we will learn something that we will use later in life. ...Always look for opportunities within the job you're doing, and accumulate knowledge. What have you learned from this lousy job? Don't just blow it off. Consciously work at it because then you'll use that knowledge. Believe that it's the learning experience you need at that time. (p.69)
[N]o matter how talented you are, no matter how brilliant --you must have interpersonal skills to succeed. (p. 70)
Empathy at work
Understanding employees as individuals, reserving judgment about mistakes, and above all, having empathy.
Maintaining a healthy humility
We must respect the knowledge of other workers and in particular those who are lower in the hierarchy...a willingness to learn from everyone in the workplace. (p. 73)
Stop looking at yourself in the mirror/don't take yourself that seriously. Go over to the window and look outside and see and learn. (p. 75)
Move well beyond the substance of your job and devote equal effort to learning how to maximize relationships with others at work....a healthy humility has worked for many...:respecting the knowledge of others and stepping outside of oneself --looking out the window instead of into the mirror. (pp. 75-76)
Autonomy and flexibility are the keys to an enjoyable job, and the more freedom, the better off you are. (p.77)
Five lessons for finding satisfying work and making the most of a career:
1/ Choose a career for the intrinsic rewards, not the financial ones.
2/ Don't give up looking for a job that makes you happy.
3/ Make the most of a bad job.
4/ Emotional intelligence trumps every other kind.
5/ Everyone needs autonomy.
(pp. 80-81)
Source:
Karl Pillemer. 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans. (New York, NY: Hudson Street Press, published by the Penguin Group, 2011).
