Dear Me: A Letter From My 22 Year-Old Self
What might your 22 year old self tell you?
A favorite question of interviewers is “What would you tell your younger self?” Recently, while cleaning out a bookshelf, I found a message from my 22 year old self. When I was 22, I was interning as an instructional designer. Throughout my experience, I had a habit of jotting down my lessons learned. These included observations of leaders I respected and wanted to emulate as well as lessons learned that I never would want to repeat.
We often think that people change as they get older. Research validates the contrary: you only become more of who you are as you get older. I've certainly found that to be true. In reading these many years later, I see they are all still very true to me, my values and my own leadership principles.
Make sure each person on a team has a voice.
Some people can raise your work level and enthusiasm up to the next level. Others can subtract from it...watch out for detractors.
Recognize that everyone has more abilities and strengths than those things with which you are aware. Empower people to do their best and create opportunities for them to do so when possible.
Do not follow the need to please, especially with unrealistic expectations.
Be cautious walking into the middle of a project and start criticizing. Be sensitive to the fact that there likely have already been discussions involving things you would change – and there are good reasons for the current path. Ask questions to understand the history.
Recognize the work and effort of a team. Projects would be nowhere without everyone’s contributions.
Most people are not out to get you and have valid reasons for their actions. Get to the heart of those reasons and determine communication gaps.
Venting is good and important; however, be sure positive action results.
Roll up your sleeves and pitch in alongside team members.
When working on projects that are particularly long and demanding, set a series of shorter attainable goals with rewards and recognition attached for incentive and reinforcement.
Be sensitive to team dynamic. Constructive confront problems head-on. Watch out for passive/aggressive tactics that may arise. Teaming must continually be worked on and not taken for granted.
What would your 22 year old self tell you?
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