How to create value or How to NOT get fired

First of all let me apologize for not posting recently. I'm sorry.

Today's topic you may have guessed already - how to not get fired or how to create value.

The bare minimum to retain employment.

1. Show up on time.

2. Show up clean, appropriately attired, and freshly shaven. Your clothes should be clean and pressed unless you are a garbage man or rock musician.

3. Get along with people even if you don't like them or have little in common with them. If you are an argumentative person maybe you need to get a hobby to release pent-up rage.

4. Don't turn up drunk or stoned. If you are hung over, call in sick.

5. Manage people's perception of you.

6. Don't gossip. Say nice things about people.

(A lot of superficial stuff, I know....)

Create Value beyond just doing the job

1. Listen to people even if you dislike them or have nothing in common with them.

2. Be a problem solver not a problem to solve.

3. Give suggestions and constructive criticism gently. Humility goes a long way.

4. Accept responsibility as opposed to assigning blame.

5. Be positive. Negativity saps energy from people, even the best of us. Learn to change subjects. Learn to let negativity pass you by. Keep your team or colleagues focused on positive things and getting the job done.

6. Build bridges between people. If you are gifted at communication and like to network, this is a natural skill you already have. Bringing people together especially the "right" people together can never be overlooked.

7. Do you remember Ben Kenobi in "Star Wars" or Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings"? They were powerful with the Force and magic respectively; but, they were also the moral compasses and spiritual guides for Luke and Frodo. Everyone needs this kind of mentor. Be a mentor or spiritual guide for someone else.

8. Give credit where credit is due. An old boss of mine once took credit for an idea that he got from me. He mentioned this in front of an entire room full of people and it (amongst other things) created a great sense of resentment and distrust in me towards him. Don't do this! It takes a team to build any organization, company, or athletic team. If you are the leader, you should dish out credit wherever possible (and it doesn't cost anything) but inspires, motivates, and creates a sense of loyalty, respect and trust in an organization. People like being acknowledged for their individual strengths and accomplishments - when a leader takes credit for everything, a wall starts forming between management and employees.

9. Remedy problems with team members immediately. Put out fires or else they spread.

10. You can ask for a lot of things as long as you express gratitude.

That's about all I can think of right now - plus it's a nice even 10! Hope you enjoyed reading and thank you for reading!

Know what you want EXACTLY

When I was a little kid my mom wanted me to play an instrument. A little thing called MTV brought my attention to hard rock and heavy metal bands like Van Halen, Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses and I fell in love with the drums. My objective was never so crystal - I was going to learn drums so I could play along to my favorite songs like my favorite drummers. While much of my life has been marred with indecision, the one thing I ever did with total and complete determination was play the drums. It started before I even had drums with air drums, tapping on table tops, playing with chopsticks. Then I took lessons and my parents bought me a drum kit. When I started I had no interest so much in fame or wealth - it was just the funnest and most natural thing I could imagine in the world - the question of why do it was absurd like asking someone why they listen to their favorite music or eat their favorite food? I never considered the possibility that I would not learn to be a good drummer. I just did it.

I wish for everyone clarity of purpose.