This is my learning manifesto. It is a living document of what I have learned through my work experiences. I have added to it, updated it, re-worded it, evolved it. I have not deleted any of it. I am still learning.

Work is our best learning lab to become more of who we were meant to become, if we let it be. I have learned the most about myself and others through work situations. Some of it was hard. All of it made me better.

On Ourselves

• I learned that good work starts with ourselves
• I learned that being scared and excited feels the same in our body. Choose excitement
• I learned that reflection is a required skill
• I learned that taking things personally puts unnecessary dents in our creative spirit
• I learned that it is better to run toward an opportunity than away from a challenge
• I learned that our jobs don’t burn us out. We do

On Practices:

• I learned that everyone has enough time and energy–we just use it differently
• I learned that our days can be either a reaction or a creation
• I learned that good days start the night before
• I learned that most 60-minute meetings can be done in 30 minutes; 30 minutes can be done in 15
• I learned that going to the gym or meditating or writing before work isn’t frivolous-it’s essential
• I learned that our days can be intentional if we are

On Communication:

• I learned that a “thank you” goes a long way
• I learned that sending a tough email tomorrow is better than sending one today
• I learned that humor is needed, wanted, and yearned for at work–I need a good laugh, often
• I learned that telling your story, the real raw one, is one of the most courageous things we can do
• I learned that even when you’re not ready, say yes anyway

On Leadership:

• I learned that a title doesn’t describe a person–it is how they listen to you
• I learned that mostly, questions are better than answers
• I learned that good leaders have your back, no matter what
• I learned that when I’m a good leader, my team is better than me
• I learned that creating a safe environment of trust is the most important thing leaders can do
• I learned that the leaders who question their own judgment spend most of their time questioning others’ judgment

I would love to hear what you have learned through your work experiences. Share with me via Twitter or Instagram with hashtag: #learnthruwork