Unconventional Paths to Success: Lessons Inspired From a Conversation With My Dad

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."

~ Henry David Thoreau

I'm currently spending time with my parents at my sister's cottage, and yesterday, I had an insightful conversation with my dad about leadership. We talked about the qualities that distinguish successful individuals from others. Dad's journey from starting out without formal education in real estate to retiring as the President of a Commercial Real Estate company is truly inspiring. While it still astonishes him, those of us who have witnessed his accomplishments find it unsurprising. During our discussion, I couldn't help but notice the valuable insights my dad shared, which closely align with the perspectives of many accomplished leaders I've had the privilege to learn from.

"Do the most difficult tasks first."

"Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves."

~ Dale Carnegie

Dad talked about how he has always prioritized tackling the most difficult tasks first. He shared a simple example: clipping his nails (keeping in mind that he is retired now). He mentioned that he always begins by trimming his right hand because it is the more challenging one. As I grew up, I witnessed him applying this mindset to various aspects of his life. On Saturday mornings, he would rise early (as he did every day) and take on the most significant and least desirable projects around the house first. By adopting this approach, he ensured that he addressed important matters early when his energy was at its peak.

When we focus on completing the challenging tasks first, it instills a sense of accomplishment and makes the remaining tasks feel more manageable.

"Consider things from our customers' perspective."

"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."

~ Jimmy Johnson

Dad shared how, for many years, their company would create budgets for each property and share them with the investors. However, he took a step back and looked at it from the customers' viewpoint. Realizing the importance of conveying the story behind each property, he took on a project to illustrate what could be done to enhance each property and why certain properties performed better than others. Annually, he would gather the company's investors and take them through the portfolio, giving them a comprehensive understanding of the budget and setting realistic expectations for their returns. By painting a vivid picture and sharing the "why" behind decisions, he enabled them to perceive the value.

The key takeaway here is that it's essential to question whether the way you've been doing things for a long time is truly the best solution. Consider how your processes impact your customers. Take a step back and identify ways to enhance customer satisfaction, even if it requires putting in the necessary effort and hard work to make it happen.

"Be willing to embrace difficult projects."

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."

~ Walter Bagehot

When the management team faced difficult projects or challenges and sought individuals to take ownership, my dad consistently stepped up. Many successful leaders today recount stories of taking on projects that most people were afraid to handle. It is precisely these types of challenging projects that define leaders' careers and open doors to greater responsibilities. By demonstrating the ability to tackle substantial tasks and assuming increased responsibility, one gains trust and is entrusted with more opportunities.

Growth and opportunities rarely stem from a place of comfort. It's crucial to be open to embracing challenging projects and risking failure. Regardless of the outcome, these experiences will contribute to your personal growth and learning. Moreover, by demonstrating your willingness to take on challenges, you will earn the respect of senior leaders who value individuals with a growth mindset.

"Put in the extra effort."

"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

~ Samuel Goldwyn

This insight wasn't explicitly shared by my dad, but I witnessed it throughout my life. Dad was always the first to arrive at the office and among the last to leave. I understand that opinions on work-life balance vary, but my dad was dedicated to delivering the best quality work for his company's investors and his team. He annually visited all their properties and maintained engagement with his operations team to ensure timely and budgeted results.

It was Dad’s willingness to put in the work and lead from the front that garnered the respect of his team, peers, and investors. Even 21 years after his retirement, Dad continues to maintain friendships with investors and colleagues he encountered along the way. Staying connected is a testament to the respect he earned through his hard work.

How can you go the extra mile to make a meaningful impact? Consider that the small actions you take to differentiate yourself can contribute to building a legacy. Reflecting on Kobe Bryant's legacy, it extends beyond his achievements on the court. Videos of him discussing his relentless training, unwavering effort, and ability to inspire others continue to resonate with us. When you consistently put in that extra effort day after day, people will naturally take notice without you having to explicitly tell them.  What do you think, Dad? I just drew a parallel between your qualities and those of the legendary Kobe Bryant!

Closing Thoughts:

Reflecting on these invaluable insights shared by my dad, I am reminded of the timeless principles that contribute to successful leadership. As I continue to develop my own leadership skills, I am grateful for the wisdom passed down to me. I believe that by embodying these qualities, we can make a positive impact and foster growth within our teams and organizations.