Lessons Learned

As a young PR pro, I know that I’ve still got a lot to learn. Over the past few years, I’ve also learned a lot (thanks to a few great bosses, colleagues and mentors). Here are a few items of note that I thought I’d share:

1. Always listen, and keep an open mind. If you can take the time to step away from your phone, email, etc and truly listen to those around you, you’ll tap into a sea of invaluable knowledge. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned thus far in my career have come from spontaneous and incredibly candid conversations with colleagues and mentors, not necessarily from hands-on applications of the tools and techniques that I learned in the classroom.

2. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a young pro, I’ve always felt that I had something to prove. To prove that I know my craft. To prove that I can survive, and thrive, in this industry. To prove… well, just to prove myself. From time to time, the need to prove myself had caused me to be a bit nervous to admit that I didn’t know how to tackle something, or to ask for help when I needed it. What almost always ended up happening in this situation was that I felt overwhelmed and as though I was spinning my wheels — something that’s detrimental to not only myself, but also to my colleagues, bosses and clients.

3. Be patient. It’s seriously so important. Patience hasn’t always been one of my strong points, and it’s something that I’ll admit I’ve had to focus a good deal of effort on over the past few years. In any industry (especially PR), it’s incredibly important to be ambitious and to have a plan in place. Work hard, but don’t forget that success isn’t going to happen overnight and being impatient can harm you, your colleagues, bosses and clients tremendously.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned thus far? What are some of the best tips you’ve got for recent college grads and young PR pros?

What I’m Reading: The Wisdom of Compassion

I’ve just finished reading The Wisdom of Compassion: Stories of Remarkable Encounters and Timeless Insights by the Dali Lama and Victor Chan.

A thought-provoking and engaging read, this book brings forth numerous stories of empathy and consideration that Chan and the Dali Lama have both personally witnessed. Based on the belief that a person’s goal in life is to be happy — and that unhappiness is primarily based on internal bouts of anger and ignorance — the stories shared in this book, and the Dali Lama’s wisdom principles revolve around the practical application of compassion.

Throughout the book, he and Chan share stories they’ve encountered in various locations around the world — from his friendship with a blind Irishman to the Dali Lama’s collaboration with a neuroscientist that led to significant discoveries about the human brain. No matter a person’s religious beliefs, this book helps readers gain a deeper understanding of human nature and our ability to show compassion and consideration for those around us.

An excellent read — I recommend you check it out.