Six Principles Worth Remembering at Work

By Phil Cooke

     While working on a media project with a client recently, our strategist Dawn Nicole Baldwin dropped a few random but timely tips on their communications director. Because the thoughts were so relevant to the situation many of us are in, I thought it worth sharing.  Whatever project you’re working on, client you’re working with, or boss you’re working for, these are important principles to remember:

Stay focused on the goal

     Remember Nehemiah 6:3, “So I sent messengers back with this: “I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down. Why should the work come to a standstill just so I can come down to see you?”  Don’t let distractions divert you from your goals.

You’re running a marathon, not a sprint

     Take breaks and pace yourself.

Choose your battles wisely

     It’s more important to win the war than the battle at hand sometimes. Take baby steps rather than lay it all out on the table at the beginning. Be a chess player and keep the big picture in mind.

Don’t take it personally

     It’s not about you. Usually it’s about them & issues they’re dealing with or turf they’re trying to protect. It’s possible to turn adversaries into advocates with time and patience.

Celebrate small victories

     It’s easy to see all the stuff yet to be done. You’re turning a large ship and will need to keep your team (and yourself) motivated.  However small it may be, change IS happening.

Establish strong boundaries

     Your family needs to come first. Most emails/voicemails, etc. can wait until Monday or the next morning without the world ending. By responding to requests after hours, you’re not only robbing your family from the time only YOU can give them, you’re teaching the organization you’re available 24/7. Be available when it’s critical. Everything else can wait because your kids will grow up whether you’re there or not (sorry…personal experience there).

     What are you facing that these principles would help?   Do you have any others that would make a difference?

This article was written by Phil Cooke

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If you have a powerful message or story that could influence the world, media producer, consultant, and author Phil Cooke will teach you what you need to know about creativity, communication, Hollywood, media, culture, and the faith to make it happen.