WashingtonExec asked the simple question to top area executives:
“If you could give your kids only three pieces of advice, what would they be?”
Today’s critical advice comes from Andrew Sherman, Partner of Jones Day.
His advice is taken from his 2008 book, Road Rules: Be The Truck. Not The Squirrel.
1. Share the Road. The road does not belong to you alone and you are not alone on this road. The first part stands for recognizing that everyone is trying to get somewhere and that your goals are month more important than their…follow the rules of the road. The second part stands for the principle that every road you want to travel has already been navigated by others…seek out mentors and coaches who have already arrived at the places you aspire to go. Be the type of person that others enjoy helping and don’t ever forget who helped you arrive at your destination.
2. Accidents Can Happen Even To the Best Drivers. Your character is measured by how you overcome the hardest of challenges and the lessons you learn from inevitable mistakes that you will make…welcome them as experiences and learn from them. Then do your best to avoid making them again.
3. Don’t Judge A Driver By Their Vehicle. Assume nothing from the exterior when you meet someone…take the time to get to know their true selves, the values they embrace and the interests that you may share.
4. And finally, life is short…find passion in your work and in your play…soon you’ll be unable to draw a distinction between the two.
Read Andrew Sherman’s latest column on WashingtonExec, “The Efficacy of Corporate Governance Best Practice Audits,” here.