Based on Wall Street Oasis, these are the top 100 lessons that you could ever learn. Try to live by at least one today 🙂
- First impressions last a long time
- Never be late
- Know your place
- Believe nothing is beneath you
- Don’t wait for someone else to replace the toner
- Never complain
- Do everything with enthusiasm
- “I don’t know” is a good answer
- “I don’t know, but I will find out” is even better
- Knowing where to find an answer is often more important than knowing it
- Never talk business in the elevator
- Never promote yourself; let others promote you; promote others
- Under promise, over deliver
- Prioritize
- Ask for deadlines
- Organize
- Keep a to-do list
- If you think about it, there is usually an easier way
- Anticipate
- Be proactive; don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do
- Know your limitations; ask for help
- Give updates
- Manage expectations
- Manager your manager
- Know when the form is more important than the function and vice versa
- Attention to detail is critical because someone will notice
- Be perceptive
- Listen carefully; read between the lines
- Ask questions
- If it’s a stupid question today, it will be even more stupid tomorrow
- Read, understand, and practice the Firm’s Business Principles
- Intellectual boredom is the enemy
- See out greater opportunity and responsibility
- Consider how you can add the greatest amount of value to the greatest number of people
- Take a step back and attempt to think of the usual things in a new, different way
- Be creative; pursue your curiosities
- Investing your own money is one of the best ways to learn about the markets
- Initiate projects which are of interest to you and of value to others
- Quality is more important than quantity
- Seek out mentors
- Choose them wisely
- Be teachable
- A good mentor will answer all of your questions – asked and unasked
- He or she will correct you
- Build relationships
- Some of the most overlooked people are the most helpful
- Treat everyone with respect
- Be humble
- Ingratiate yourself to everyone, but don’t brown nose
- Take an assistant to lunch
- Do no envy
- Make an extra effort to build relationships with those whom you find difficult
- If your colleagues want you to succeed, it will be difficult to fail
- Never discuss your compensation with your colleagues
- You reap what you sow
- Build your relationship broadly
- The more people that you know throughout all parts and offices of the Firm, the greater your resources and ppportunities
- Be a relationship builder; introduce people to one another
- I you’re thankful, write a thank you note
- Be a team player
- Be reliable
- Be approachable
- Share information, resources and insights
- Help everyone
- Volunteer
- Perceive when others need help
- Pick up the slack
- If someone needs to be corrected, do it privately
- Communicate effectively
- Know your audience
- Utilize all means: memos, voice mail, fax, email, etc
- Be concise
- Utilize technology
- Learn how to use it
- Create new applications
- Teach others how to use them
- Recruiting is rewarding
- The candidates you recommend reflect on you
- Mentor your candidates through the process
- Diversity is achieved one recruit at a time
- Appearances are important
- Be well groomed
- Learn how to dress appropriately
- Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your desk
- Keep one umbrella at work and one at home
- Nothing substitutes for a good night’s rest
- But if you’re tired, caffeinate yourself
- It is much easier to dress inappropriately on a casual day
- Unethical behavior is unforgivable
- If you see something suspicious, tell someone about it
- Know and practice compliance procedures
- Admit error, don’t try to cover up your mistakes
- Be honest with yourself and your colleagues and yourself
- Live a balanced life
- A successful life is more important than a successful career
- Set your priorities
- Have the discipline to live by them
- Care for your family
- Make the time to fall in love
- Read at least one book per month that has nothing to do with what you do