What does it take to be better at work? Even for someone like me who works alone?
One of my few go-to news sources is called Axios. They use a technique called smart brevity. What I like. Short and to the point. I wrote to them about too many adjectives, but in reality they minimize those extraneous and emotion-laden words. (Did you notice what I just wrote?) I’ve always tried that here.
They have a daily newsletter called Finish Line that ponders personal issues. They ran a series where they asked readers from different generations to send their thoughts on work. I appreciated how similar the thoughts were. Founder Jim VandeHei summarized all the comments in a column called the 10 Commandments of Work Success.
Click the link to read them all. My picks from the litter include:
- Serve others: If it’s only about you, you will do the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Life is empty alone.
- Work morally: Honesty, grace, humility, hard work and honor are the core values of a work-life well-lived.
- Work smart: Working hard on the wrong or nonessential things is time wasted.
- Study deeply: Master the tiny details and panoramic context of your profession.
- Study thyself: Be clear-eyed about your gifts and flaws. It’s the only path to betterment.
- Fortify thyself: Optimal work performance is impossible without healthy relationships, diet and exercise, and spirituality and mindfulness outside of it.
The bottom line: When the clock stops, smile confidently — knowing you did it right and well.
