In 2012, I posted the article Did you get career advice from your mother? about the some of the career advice I had received from my mother early in my career.
As Mother’s Day approaches and I reflect on how to honor and celebrate my mother, I could not help but reflect on the fact that my mother’s advice continues to bless my life. I appreciate her years of wisdom and experience and her more recent advice, too.
I hope you get to honor your mother as Mother’s Day nears.
This is my mother . . .
What was the best career ad
vice you received from your mother or another special women in your life? Will you share? Post your comments below.
Here the gems of my mother’s advice:
Don’t work too late. Days can be long sometimes. Late one day, my mother, in her kindest voice, shared, “I think you should quit for today and quit early more often.”
Good advice. Stop, bring the day to close and be grateful for all you have accomplished and for those you served on that day.
Relationships count. Building and nurturing relationships in your life and in your career matters. See and understand the point-of-view of others, learn about other people, and know what they like and dislike.
Then, find a way to make a connection and build a relationship– doing so is a skill and an art form. Honing your relationship building skills is valuable and critical to building a sustainable career.
Service matters and, when done gladly, all the better. The minimum is just that and less than average. Always do your best and then something extra. My mother always adds the extra thing. It is part of her personal branding.
Delivery of what’s expected meets the standard, it gets the job done. It completes the job and just covers the basics.
Adding something highlights your brand and increases the perceived value of your work. Over time, your added value does set you apart from the crowd. Something of extra significance can: bring a smile, help you gain favorable attention, encourages referrals, and repeat business. All these items enhance your stock value and helps sustain your career.
Enjoy Mother’s Day on Sunday as you celebrate in whatever special way fits you!
To my mother — Happy Mother’s Day – thank you for being a coach, a mentor, a role model, a friend and a wonderful mother.
See you soon. Cindy
This is beautiful, Cindy. Thanks for sharing the career advice you learned from your mother. I was particularly struck by the first one, “Don’t work too late.” When most people in our lives – bosses, colleagues, etc. – are telling us to work harder, it’s great to have your mom remind you to pay attention to your real priorities in life.
Lori, appreciate your thoughts and comments. I agree as I reflected on my mother’s advice over the years I found wisdom and encouragement that was both delightful and full of special grace. WE all need people in our lives to support and guide us in unique ways and at just the ‘right time’.
Cindy, your mother was a wise woman. There are so many that work too late – and it’s really not very beneficial for anyone involved! But balanced with going the extra mile – that’s great! I think it’s always about balance. Do the work that needs to be done, maybe add a cherry on top, but know when it’s time to go home and rest!
Dorothy – you are on target, balance and rest are key to being your best. I like your suggestion of add a cherry on top as a way to add value. Have an amazing day!
I lost my mother several decades ago. I miss her still and send her spiritual hugs her way. Your mother has good messages to give….I particularly like the “Don’t work too late” bit. That’s been my own failing point for a long time.
Give your Mom a hug for me and thank her for all her wisdom.
Lilia, the hug from you to my Mom is on the way and I will deliver one in person for you in a few months when I see her – Thank you what a wonderful gift. Love you, you wisdom and the lessons you share that you, me and many others have learned from our ‘own failing’. Have an amazing day!
I love the simplicity and powerful insights from your Mom’s advice – wonderful! Thank you for sharing and reminding me of some essential truths!
Diane, Appreciate your comments and glad you received powerful insights from my Mon’s advice and that these reminded you of ‘some essential truths’ – Have an amazing day!