Do the invisible work
Real success is built in the shadows. It's the grunt work no one sees or applauds.
You want to lead? Start by scrubbing the floors. Know every job in your organization. The insights you gain are gold.
Preparation trumps talent. While others wing it, put in the hours. When your moment comes, you'll be ready.
Build bridges before you need to cross them. That means treating everyone with respect, always. You never know who'll be crucial down the line.
Fix problems quietly. No fanfare, no blame game. Just solve it and move on. That's how you earn trust.
Invest in yourself constantly. Read, learn, grow. Your mind is your best asset. Sharpen it relentlessly.
Listen more than you speak. Real listening, not just waiting for your turn to talk. People will tell you everything you need to know if you shut up and pay attention.
Own your mistakes quickly. The cover-up is always worse than the crime. Admit it, fix it, learn from it.
Remember, the work that matters most often goes unnoticed. Do it anyway. That's what separates the great from the merely good.