Principles for Success - by Douglas Gordon Wilson

This is technically not my post. This belongs to my father who died in 2002. We discovered it after his death. He had written it on a piece of engineering quad paper. It is wonderful and concise. It is a shame that he never shared it with us when he was alive. I believe that it was meant to be shared an so I give it to you here:

Principles for Success

  

©Douglas G. Wilson (1934-2002)

 

1. Keep a Journal / Diary – exercise memory – keep good records on people and events

2. Exhibit self-confidence (without being cocky) . Be self-confident. Be out-going / gregarious.

3. Be very people conscious

–                Congratulate whenever possible–                Exhibit genuine interest in superiors and subordinates

–                Use names (Make special effort to remember / memorize names). When meeting a group of people try to get and learn names in advance.

4. Read all available material related to your job. Keep up on all new developments.

5. Before making decisions get all the facts. Take steps to reduce risks of any decisions but be prepared to take the risks knowing and evaluating them. Reach decisions as quickly as possible (Research proportional to importance of decision).

6. Anticipate (Plan ahead).

7. Communicate extensively (Be careful to make certain that your communications are understood as you intended). Listen carefully and understand what’s being said to you.

8. Delegate (both responsibility & authority) but maintain control. Don’t try to shirk your responsibility through delegation.

9. Participate in industry and community associations. Develop a wide range of associates and friends.

10. Don’t take yourself too seriously and be true to yourself and your family. Stand up for your own rights.

11. Don’t compromise your principles.

12. Learn to trust without being gullible.

13. Work hard (and long if necessary). Be sure that the value of your services equals or exceeds the immediate rewards.

14. Study and understand your competition.

15. Review the results of your actions and decisions. Know why you either succeeded or failed (Learn from you mistakes and don’t make the same mistake twice).

16. Develop outside interests.