Happy Mother’s Day!
Consulting 101: Dolly’s Two Cents
I spend a TON of time talking to folks about their careers. Each person has a unique set of skills, god-given talent, and ambitions. While I am a computer scientist by training and trade, most of my “mentoring” comes from decades of watching folks succeed, fail, and tread water. What they all have in common is at one time … they had a mom.
"She Gave Me Life." by Jose who worked with Dewayne in Candler, NC around 2008 ... when asked why he sent most of his money back home to his mother in Mexico.
I think Jose was really on to something with this point of clarity. His life-long gratitude towards his mom/family/friends, compelled him to work hard, stay positive, and become a true craftsperson.
To hit the nail on the head, to be worth your salt in a professional service industry, it requires:
- Gratitude
- Positive Mental Attitude
- Hardwork
Still reading? OK it is now time to connect Mother's Day and your professional career development leveraging some Dolly Parton tidbits.
Let’s go to work.
GRATITUDE
Your mom gave you something no other person in the world since the beginning of time could give you … SHE GAVE YOU LIFE.
If you are reading this blog, then your heart should be full of gratitude towards your mother. You can be mad at her. You might not even know where your mom is. But I know this: You can read, have a computer, and the free time to think about your career.
As a professional consultant, you must have a servant’s attitude and that comes from a heart full of gratitude. Go hug your momma. #careerdevelopment #happymothersday
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE
Every day ain’t gonna be peachy creamy. Life is complicated, complex, and often times confusing. In that context, you gotta maintain a positive mental attitude as you serve your clients and co-workers.
We talk a TON about being happy and positive. @davidronka told me that “happy” sounded superficial, but I would suggest it’s just the opposite. True happiness is deep inside you.
It’s my observation that folks who are happiest are the lucky ones. The ones who use their talents/skills/resources to bring about results/value/change to those they care most about (clients, friends, and family). #BeYourself
HARD WORK
We are not going to talk about Moms and career development and skip over the “hard work.” IMHO there ain’t no subset of humanity that works harder than Moms.
Dudes (gender specific) the moms in my orbit have a 24/7/365/18 year grind … and all the while having to put up with your NASCAR watching, riding mower, “whoa is me” weekend rant.
Here’s my two cents … when you get up in the morning, work as hard as your mom. Go to bed after an honest day’s work as tired as your mom. #BeMom
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT
That's the punch line: gratitude, positive mental attitude, and hard work. That's what my momma always told me.
Most of the happier folks I know have been wildly successful by sticking to these fundamentals when dealing with clients, co-workers, neighbors, and family.
#HappyMothersDay #Gratitude #PositiveAttitude #Hardwork
Photo/Vid/Painting Cred: @KelliDarlin
HERE'S TODAY'S VID-CLIP: