Jesse Steele

One trait sets achievers, influencers, and trailblazers apart from the rest. They have a reckless focus on the road in front of them and an utter blindness to the past. They don’t get stuck on whatever sits behind them. They don’t even like to talk about the past. And, they don’t get dreamy about the future either. They simply focus on the next step.

Theory, ideas, and grudges—they ignore these to a fault. They could be better if they didn’t only look forward. But, looking forward makes up for weaknesses so much that it becomes the crutch of champions.  · · · →

Say it once, not over and over. Just go on record. If you’re wrong, say so; then change.

There isn’t much difference between the pathological apologizer and the pathological liar. The apologizer says sorry more often than a blinking yellow light blinks yellow. The liar won’t admit he was wrong, then tries to repair friendships with all smiles and no apologies.

Words and actions must go together. All words and no action doesn’t help anymore than all action and no words. We need both and we need them together in agreement. When wrong, say so once; then you’d better change.  · · · →

In the place where we talk about manners, tender words, patience, kindness, listening, and understanding—in the place where we ponder negotiation methods—in the place we preach about how we must conduct ourselves in order to gain trust—in the place where words matter, there is a reserved space which decides how much value the world of words holds.

Listening and understanding are special. They aren’t about style; they are actions. Listening isn’t something one can “say kindly”, nor is understanding. As with any action, our words only carry what clout is bestowed by what has already been done.  · · · →

When you face trouble, share your plans. Often times, we’d think to hide our plans from the opposition. But, if you’re trained and awesome enough, your plans don’t need to be kept secret.  For this reason, evidence must be shared with the opposing legal team before being presented in court. If you have a strong case, you might win before the trial, merely by presenting the evidence you intend to share if so forced.

So, by all means, share your plans. When you have trouble, tell the responsible party exactly what you intend to do. Then, just stay on point.  · · · →