Simple Secrets to Success From Those Who Know
WashingtonExec reached out to area executives to gain insight and share local “secrets to success” stories.
Today Robin Lineberger, CEO of Deloitte Federal Government Services, provided WashingtonExec readers with four pillars to live by.
Stick to your vision, don’t compromise:
Sticking to your vision really means following your instincts. Early in my career, I approached my managing partner about Total Quality Management (TQM) and the opportunities that I believed would emerge from this management philosophy that focused on continuous improvement. He responded, “Why are you doing this? Go sell our financial systems.” I did what my manager recommended, but I also continued to pursue operational consulting. In the long run, it was TQM and Business Process Re-engineering that helped to catapult my career. And by the way, the financial systems I was selling at the time….no longer exist.
Manage by the facts:
When you know the facts, the decisions are easy. If you are basing your business decisions on anecdotes, hearsay or innuendo, there is a strong possibility that you are using flawed information to make your decisions. Look at data, gather information from team members, do the research and make fact-based evaluations. The axiom “garbage in, garbage out” still holds true.
Know what you know … and know what you don’t know:
As a consultant or a professional, it’s not uncommon to be asked questions that are not necessarily in your area of expertise. If you don’t know, don’t guess. Although you may have deep expertise in many areas, you’re not expected to be all-knowing. It’s fine to say, “I want to check on that for you and get back to you in 24 hours.”
“Finish”:
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca the Younger – Roman philasopher (4 BC – 65 AD)
When you make a commitment to do something, get it done. It’s the ability to deliver on your promise that builds trust in your ability to accomplish bigger and bigger goals. Success is not about luck.