20 Years, 10 Lessons: A Personal Reflection on Success and Leadership

As I celebrate another year this week, I find myself reflecting on the past two decades of my career. These years have not only shaped my professional journey but have also deeply influenced my personal growth. Today, I want to share with you ten key lessons that have guided me through various challenges and successes. These are not just principles but practices that I have lived by and learned from actual experiences that I hope will resonate with you as much as they have with me.

1. Pick Up the Phone (or Video Call)

In an age dominated by digital communication, the sound of a human voice can bridge distances and humanize our interactions. I've found that making a phone call rather than sending an email can clarify complex issues faster, foster connections, and sometimes, it's just more personal and reassuring.

2. Care Deeply

Passion for your work and compassion for the people you work with are crucial. They transform routine tasks into a labor of love and turn workplaces into communities. Caring deeply about what you do and whom you do it with creates an environment where everyone can thrive.  Whatever it is that you’ve chosen to get up and go do each morning, do it with care and do it well.

3. Build Trustworthy Relationships

Trust is not given; it's earned. It forms slowly over time through consistent, honest actions and mutual respect. These relationships, whether with colleagues, clients, or friends, become your most crucial network, providing support and opportunity throughout your career.

4. Work Hard

Hard work is often glorified but just as often misunderstood. It's not about long hours for the sake of long hours; it’s about smart, focused effort that aims for excellence and efficiency. Dedication shows your commitment not only to goals but to standards.  This is where genuine lessons are learned, and true respect is earned.  No matter where you are on your journey, never be unwilling to roll up your sleeves and dig in.

5. Follow Through

Reliability is a cornerstone of professional integrity. Doing what you say you will do not only sets a standard for others but also builds a reputation of dependability and trustworthiness. It’s simple but impactful: say what you mean, and mean what you say.

6. Listen Actively

Good communication is about more than just your message; it's also about how well you listen. Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering the conversation. It shows respect and allows for deeper connection and understanding.

7. Embrace Challenges

Life's opportunities often come disguised as insurmountable challenges. When doubt creeps in, remind yourself that growth and comfort do not coexist. Stepping into the unknown can unleash potential you never knew you had, leading to fulfillment and unexpected successes.

8. Inspire Others

Leadership transcends managing tasks; it's about inspiring people to reach higher and push boundaries. Your energy and passion can be contagious; they can transform a group's dynamic and elevate everyone’s performance.  Be the person people follow because they want to and not because they feel they have to…; Inspire!

9. Deliver Results

While effort is important, outcomes are your scoreboard. Delivering on your promises, meeting your objectives, and occasionally exceeding expectations solidify your contributions to any endeavor. It’s about making a tangible impact, which, in turn, reinforces your credibility and influence.

10. Be Authentic

In a world that often values conformity, authenticity sets you apart. Being true to your values and beliefs while respecting others' perspectives fosters genuine relationships and decision-making that aligns with your true self. Authenticity invites trust and loyalty from others.

Bonus Lesson: Find an Advocate

One crucial lesson that complements the others and has profoundly impacted my journey is the importance of having an advocate. Here’s how this principle has guided me:

In any professional journey, having an advocate is invaluable. This is someone who believes in your potential, champions your progress, and opens doors you might not even know existed. Advocates can be mentors, senior leaders, or peers who have a strong network and influence. They speak on your behalf in rooms where decisions are made and opportunities are distributed.

Building a Relationship with Your Advocate

Finding an advocate requires more than just meeting the right person; it involves building trust and showing that you are someone worth advocating for. This means delivering consistent performance, demonstrating potential, and engaging actively with your advocate. Share your goals, seek their advice, and most importantly, express your appreciation for their support.

… And then, Be Someone's Advocate

As you progress in your career and gather experience, remember the role your advocate played in your journey. Look for opportunities to pay it forward by advocating for others. This not only helps develop the next generation of leaders but also strengthens your leadership and extends your influence.

As I mark another year, I share these lessons with a grateful heart, hoping they offer you guidance and encouragement. Here's to continual learning and growth, driven by purpose and passion!

Warm regards,

Ed Clementi, Founder & CEO of Inspired Fire, LLC

Make an Impact.  Feel an Impact.