For graduates, for start-ups — for anyone.
This is the time of year when visionaries, sages and accomplished individuals of arts, sciences and business descend upon educational campuses nationwide and dispense their wisdom to new graduates. Here’s a bit more for the collection.
Even though he was only a fictitious character in the hit movie “Jerry Maguire,” I’d like to think that Jerry’s “late, great mentor Dicky Fox” would have made an excellent commencement speaker. Throughout the movie we’re treated to flashbacks of Mr. Fox sitting behind his desk sharing helpful pieces of business advice.
None of it is terribly complicated, but it’s all very true:
- “The key to this business is personal relationships.” Being genuinely interested in people and who they are is the key to building good relationships. It all starts with asking questions, listening to the answers, and looking for ways to help. The posture of wanting to help will always keep you in good standing with family, friends, clients and co-workers.
- “Roll with the punches. Tomorrow is another day.” The hits, the punches – the problems – will come and they will hurt. But thankfully, there is always tomorrow to find the solution for them, and to heal up to fight another day. Absorb the blows and keep moving.
- “If [the heart] is empty, [the head] doesn’t matter.” First and foremost, we all want to be connected and be safe. It’s hard to concentrate on work or other things when those two bases aren’t covered. This usually comes from the support of family and friends, spouses and kids, parents and grandparents. Work is easier when things are good at home and in our hearts.
Mr. Fox ends the moving with one final thought: “I don’t have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I have failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.”
Have a great week.
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