The workplace hurls problems, challenges, and setbacks at each of us every day. How well we hold up under these blows without breaking is a fair measure of our mettle.
Many people respond to their problems ineffectively.
So every day, thousands of bright, skillful, hardworking people tarnish their careers and limit their futures by mishandling ordinary workplace difficulties. In the mid-80s I set out on a grand adventure, traveling across the United States and meeting with many of the country's most successful business leaders, CEOs of some of America's largest and most respected companies. These leaders were rugged thinkers, excellent communicators, and above all, highly believable. It's possible that each of the people I talked with did not abide by these gems all the time, but they showed evidence of living up to them far better than most people do. Smart people maintain the right course by adhering to high standards at all times.