Develop a Game Plan for Your Career/Life

• Take time to plan and evaluate.
• Set goals and objectives. "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time."
• Set priorities. Important things vs. urgent things.

Have a "Can Do" Attitude

• Anticipate what is expected of you.
• Accept every assignment with enthusiasm.
• Be flexible.
• Come early, stay late.
• Never violate your personal code of ethics.

Aim for Excellence in Every Task

• "It just takes a little extra effort to go first class."
• Earn a reputation for excellence.

Look for Career Making Opportunities

• Too risky or difficult for others.
• Actively seek greater responsibility.
• Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is rarely fatal.
• Learn from your mistakes.

Relate Properly to Others

• "Don't call H.Q. until the enemy is coming through the front door."
• "Three ways to do things: the right way, the wrong way, the boss's way."
• Never correct your superior in public, rarely in private.
• Don't draw attention to your weaknesses.
• "There is no such thing as a personality conflict."
• Be better than your peers, but don't show them up.
• Help your subordinates succeed.

Pay Attention to Politics

• Understand office politics, don't participate.
• "Make your points in the trenches, attend the parades."

Pay Attention to Your Image

• Dress for success.
• Keep yourself physically fit.

Have a Purpose

• Larger than your job.
• Larger than yourself.

A STRATEGY FOR ACADEMIA

Set Specific Long-range/Short-range Objectives

• Research
  • Long-range: Become nationally known in an area.
  • Short-range:
    • Two articles per year in target journals.
    • One to two presentations per year.
• Teaching
  • Long-range: Reputation for excellence.
  • Short-range: Consistently good evaluations.

Specialize

• Research: One main area.
• Teaching: One or two courses.

Things to Avoid

• Committee work. Do your share, no more.
• Preparations; The fewer the better.
• Politics. Understand, but don't participate.
• Administration. Unless you want a career.

Become a Manager

• Of activity. You think, let others work.
• Of time. Do important things, not urgent things.

Become a Well-Rounded Square

• Intellectual
• Physical
• Social
• Spiritual