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My philosophies on life and work

These thoughts are are things that I've learned through the years. They are somewhat personal but I believe in them and I am continuing to add to them. I have violated every one of these (and continue to violate some) but I try my best to follow them each day! These aren't necessarily in any priority but just a outpouring from my stream of consciousness.

1. Always be honest in kindness, even when it is hard for some to hear. The good people will respect you for it in the long run.

2. Never ask anyone to do something that you wouldn't be willing to do yourself.

3. When you have all the facts together and you have to make an "executive decision"... if it is a good decision, it was OUR decision. If it is a bad decision, it was MY decision.

4. I'm not hindu but I firmly believe that "bad karma ALWAYS comes back to you."

5. Leadership without humility will end in humility.

6. Don't be worried about promotions and advancement. If you love what you do and put your heart into your work, good things will come in time.

7. If you hear someone is angry or upset with you, go to them face-to-face and talk it out. Don't hide behind email or the phone.

8. Write notes and/or tell your staff how good they are and how much you appreciate them. They value your approval as much as you value approval from your bosses.

9. Have as much respect for those who work under you as you do for those who work over you... sometimes even more.

10. Building relationships is more important than anything else you do in work. Strong relationships build trust and trust is more valuable than money.

11. Don't hold grudges and strongly avoid those who do.

12. Try and encourage those who are bitter and angry. Avoid those whose egos are stronger than their intellect. "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."

13. Invest in the emotional bank account theory... when you have to make a withdrawal, make sure to make an equal or better deposit. Try never to bankrupt someone or you may lose their trust forever.

14. Always be a good steward of money and trust (yours AND others).

15. Try and stay positive and be a agent of hope and change. There are too many negative people in this world and it doesn't help when you add to their ranks.

16. If you have apologized to someone for something and they continue to hold a grudge and let it affect your relationship, do your part to honor your apology. If they cannot see fit to move ahead, do not let it affect your honor and integrity. See again #4.

17. Hope to die the day after you decide to write your memoirs. There is very little new wisdom that youcan bestow on the world from your life. "There is nothing new under the sun."

18. Nothing is too hard to learn in life. Life is just full of things you haven't learned yet.
- quote stolen from Mike Abney, one of Keith and Talitha's first bosses