54 Things I've Learned in My Career

Indra A. Books, Founder of Agility for All, shares with us on her 54th birthday the 54 things she has learned in her career. The format of this was inspired by a series of posts done by Tamsen Fadal for her birthday. We hope it gives you inspiration to keep learning and growing no matter what you choose to do.

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A note from Indra:
Anyone who knows me well knows that even taking a selfie is a stress-inducing event for me. I do not like photos much less videos so for me to create 54 segments to share with you was a giant leap out of my comfort zone. While the videos are not perfect, they are me. So the next time something makes you uncomfortable and takes you to the edge of your proverbial cliff, join me and look over the edge to what is possible.

Part One:

1. Global Mindset. Understand the global market and its implications.

 2. Environment matters. Choose environments that align with your values and work ethics.

 3. Emotional resilience. Develop emotional resilience to navigate challenges and protect from burnout.

 4. Embrace failures. Failures are an opportunity for learning and growth.

 5. Personal development. Continually work on improving yourself personally and professionally.

 6. Lifelong learning. Commit to learning beyond formal education.

 7. Learn from mistakes. Failures are important opportunities for growth.

 8. Embrace diversity. Embracing diverse backgrounds leads to innovation and creativity.

 9. Stay curious. Curiosity fuels innovation and it opens new doors.

 10. Adapt to change. Stay flexible in the face of challenges.

 11. Balance. Prioritize self care and create boundaries around work and personal time.

 12. Be authentic. Authenticity builds trust and credibility.

 13. Communication skills. Clear and concise communication is vital.

 14. Cultivate empathy. Understand other's perspectives for better collaboration.

 15. Balance ambition. Pursue your goals without sacrificing your well-being.

 16. Financial planning. Prioritize saving, investing, and planning for the future.

 17. Time management. Effectively allocate time to tasks and projects. Know your priorities.

 18. Crisis Management. Navigate crisis with a level head and a strategic approach.

Part Two:

 19. Continuous learning. Staying up to date with industry trends is crucial to career advancement.

 20. Remote work skills. Mastering remote tools and communication is essential today.

 21. Speak up. Don't be afraid to voice your opinions in the workplace.

 22. Stay humble. Confidence is important, but humility helps you learn from others.

 23. All skills matter. Communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical skills.

 24. Adaptability is key. The professional landscape changes rapidly, so being able to adapt is crucial.

 25. A strong professional network. Building a network opens doors to other opportunities.

 26. Presentation skills. Master the art of creating engaging and impactful presentations.

 27. Public speaking. Develop skills in addressing both small and large groups.

 28. Cultivate patience. Success doesn't happen overnight. Patience is key.

 29. Networking. Build connections through genuine interactions, not just transactions.

 30. Ethical decision making upholds your ethics and standards in all professional decisions.

 31. Leadership principles. Lead by example and inspire those around you.

 32. Value your experience. Leverage your experience to provide unique insights.

 33. Learn to navigate bureaucracy. Understand organizational dynamics and hierarchy.

 34. Avoid office politics. Instead, focus on building the culture you want.

 35. Mindful decision making. Consider long term impacts when making decisions.

 36. Conflict resolution. Resolve conflicts with professionalism and tact.

Part Three:

 37. Team dynamics. Understand group dynamics and contribute positively.

 38. Take initiative. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities.

 39. Set clear goals. Clearly defined goals keep you motivated.

 40. Problem solving skills. Develop the ability to tackle complex issues strategically.

 41. Online presence matters. Building a strong online presence helps build your professional credibility.

 42. Negotiation skills. Learn to negotiate for better opportunities.

 43. Mindfulness. Practice mindfulness at work to reduce stress and stay focused.

 44. Know your worth. Research industry standards and practices to know your fair market value.

 45. Innovation mindset. Cultivate new ideas to solve problems.

 46. Inclusivity Advocate. Champion inclusivity and representation in the workplace.

 47. Feedback loop. Ensure you and your colleagues have a way to share feedback and make changes.

 48. Constructive disruption. Don't fear challenging the status quo constructively.

 49. Contingency planning. Don't stay just in the moment. Plan for contingencies for stability.

 50. Industry expertise. Cultivate deep understanding in your industry and then share that information with others.

 51. Appreciate feedback. See feedback as a chance to improve and grow.

 52. Boundaries. Create and maintain your boundaries from the beginning and others will respect them.

 53. Inclusive leadership. Create a culture of inclusivity where everyone is heard.

 54. Social responsibility. You don't just have responsibility to build product, but also a safe and inclusive space.

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About the Author:

INDRA A. BOOKS

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