COMMON KNOWLEDGE EVERYONE KNOWS, BUT MAY NOT ALWAYS USE IT
Life comes with rules, written and unwritten. Every decision has an outcome. This is your checklist to perseverance. Let this become your system of simple logic. This is your tool kit.
"Part One-The Building of YOU"
1. Never back down when you are 'in the right'. What this means is if you know that you have presented your position in the matter to the best of your knowledge and that your statements can be backed with facts, do not "compromise" your position for any reason. Stay planted in the truth.
2. Never apologize for something you did not do. If you did not say it, then do not apologize for it. If it was not caused by you in any way, do not take any responsibility for it. Do not confess to it. Be accountable and responsible for your own actions. Own your part and let the rest fall where it may.
3. You must have 'heart'. This means you have loyalty, strength, courage, and wisdom. These values are the core of your very being. No one can take these away from you unless you let them.
4. Be on time. Punctuality is professional, courteous, and responsible. If able, be early. Scope out the surroundings and become familiar, just in case there has to be a last minute change of plans. This will make you more alert and ready to respond, making you proactive, not reactive.
5. Stay ready and you will not have to get ready. Again, by continuing to prepare yourself for whatever may come your way, you gain a sense of confidence and foundation. Believe in yourself and know that practice makes you better, not perfect. You will master the art of expecting the unexpected.
6. Meet and greet others with a sincere gesture of kindness, a firm handshake or hug when appropriate, and a pleasant smile. This is crucial. It instantly lets the other person know that they matter to you and that you can be trusted. Let each impression be your first impression.
7. Maintain eye contact. This will allow you to remain attentive while keeping a side view of your surroundings. Looking away when appropriate, keeps control of the conversation and puts the other person(s) at ease.
8. Never give away your secret. Your personal style and technique is a result of your born-given gifts and cannot be duplicated. Only you can truly use your gifts to their fullest potential. You were born with it-die with it.
9. Never let them see you coming. The element of surprise. Stay one step ahead when able. Once you gain control, you must maintain control. This means working to the cutting edge to remain progressive.
10. Never let them see you sweat. Fear can manifest itself in many ways and may come off as a weakness that can later be used against you.
11. Play fair. A win-win situation is when both parties gain and no one loses. Fair trade and equal opportunity means growth and prosperity for all involved. Not to mention karma is still an undeniable reality.
12. Grant reasonable favors. Fulfill the need of another and they will be in your debt. It will come in handy when you need a favor later on.
13. Keep your word. It is your bond. Do no go back on it. Do not make promises you cannot keep. Everything around can come and go, but your word will never fade.
14. Business before pleasure. Take care of your priorities first and then you can enjoy the benefits of a job well done. Take care of your business and your business will take care of you.
15. Be humble. Keep a low profile and try not to attract negative attention. Stay grounded and remember where you come from. Humility is not sign of weakness, it is a character trait.
16. Fear is not better than respect. One who fears you will ultimately attempt to destroy you. One who respects you will be more likely to reward you and create a beneficial, productive relationship with you.
17. Never underestimate the other person. You may be smart, but there is always someone smarter. Keep your head up, eyes open, ears keen; you will be surprised what you learn when you realize you do not know it all.
18. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Apply points 1-17 and you will eventually end up with little to no enemies at all. But remember you cannot please all the people all the time.
19. Do not get greedy. Know your limit. Know when to stop. Greed will only turn on you and consume you until you find yourself by yourself. Too much of anything will hurt you.
20. Demeanor and character go hand in hand. Who you are and how you carry yourself speaks volumes to others, no matter how long they know you. If you talk the talk, be ready to walk the walk. Dress the part, look the part. Be a professional and a scholar.
21. Remain calm. You are a leader. If you lose control, others will follow. If you are angry, do not take it out on those closest to you. Practice healthy methods of releasing tension and stress and keeping your pressure down. This will prove to be beneficial in times of need. Exercise patience.
22. Listen with the intent to comprehend, not necessarily to respond. You have two ears and one mouth so you may hear twice as much as you speak.
23. Know yourself and what you are worth. Be slow to anger and quick to seek understanding. It is not about power, money, and material gain. It is about love of self, love of others, and for some, love of a higher power or unseen force. To lead, you must follow. To teach, you must train. You are priceless and cannot be bought. If you want what you need and need what you have, then you have what you want.
De'Master A. Thomas
