Professionals make things happen....

When I first got to Las Vegas I met a computer programmer who had dropped out of high school and started a programming company: in those early days of computing he stepped in and was willing to do what the more established vendors said they couldn’t or wouldn’t do.  HR needed a simple applicant tracking system and he developed a program that predicted compliance with diversity goals; finance needed a way to control staffing and he developed a program that predicted business needs; gaming wanted to make sure nobody was cheating and he developed a program to spot non-obvious relationships. He took the initiative to develop these programs and later went on to become a chief scientist at IBM. Professionals come in every size and shape – the key is not to be fooled by stereotypes and miss the opportunity to work with those who can make things happen. Don’t sit and wait for opportunities to come: get up and make them happen today.

Sarah Breedlove (1867 –1919), known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, political and social activist

Be a great leader....

“A leader is someone willing to give his strength to others so that they may have the strength to stand on their own.” Beth Revis

He was a great leader: a former world champion of poker, he brought a steady and analytical mind to the job. I’m a pretty demonstrative guy and reporting to him was a challenge because I could never discern what he was thinking. But when he spoke it was with clarity and direction and I could always count on leaving with a much better understanding than when I entered. He gave me and the rest of my colleagues his strength so that we then had strength to stand on our own. HR can be hectic and he showed me the importance of listening and evaluating calmly, watching others and assessing the importance of their words and actions, and putting the pieces together dispassionately. Having a strong leader is a real advantage, and being a strong leader is a gift that subordinates can rely on.  Give your strength to others and help them be better professionals today.

Beth Revis (b. 1981): American Author of Fantasy and Science Fiction

Become an effective professional....

“All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do.” Norman Vincent Peale

When I first started working in Las Vegas I met a former professional football player who was then working in Security: he wanted to get into HR and be in charge of workplace safety. He had a basic knowledge of safety issues and a deep interest in learning more about the codes and regulations that have to be followed. He networked with other safety professionals, attended classes, studied hard, and met with officials from all the Federal, State, County and City agencies. But the key aspect of his learning was rooted in knowing where he wanted to go and what he wanted to be: he was creative in his thinking and dedicated to finding the best strategies to follow; he went on to become an excellent and very effective safety director. Whatever your goal, commit to learning all you can so you can be the successful professional you aspire to become.

Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993): American minister and author known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking