Dublin Back: A Dozen Dublin Lessons

It’s been quite a summer. A wonderful summer.

My daughter got married just over a week ago, and a month before that we took a thrilling trip across the Atlantic.

In between? I got to make a research presentation in Dublin, Ireland.

Now, it’s back to work. Business as usual. So, I’d like to summarize some of the lessons I learned, in a more general way to show how they might apply to your career even if you aren’t making a conference presentation in Dublin.

Like these:

  1. It’s always a good time to pay tribute to someone you admire.
  2. Don’t be afraid to explore new and scary concepts.
  3. Don’t avoid real human contact. We need it more than ever.
  4. Go into a conversation with no agenda, no expectations other than building a relationship and a new friendship
  5. Great ideas aren’t created in a vacuum. They come from other ideas. Build on what’s already around you.
  6. It’s okay to be vulnerable. Be honest and authentic. Step out of your comfort zone.
  7. There are people around you who are good at the things you aren’t. And there are those who need you to be good at the things YOU are good at.
  8. There are opportunities all around you. Open your eyes and see them. Or be creative and create them.
  9. Collaborate. Let your powers combine to create something better than either person could create alone.
  10. Know how a system works, and partner with those in charge, gatekeepers and decision-makers, to assure a strong foundation for your project.
  11. Great ideas can blossom and grow bigger and brighter than expected. Let it happen and let others join the party.
  12. When opportunity knocks, get up and answer the door. Or maybe YOU represent an opportunity. So start looking for the right door to tap.

How about you? Any favorite words of wisdom to share? See you tomorrow!