20 Best Pieces of Advice from 20 Top Executives
February 1, 2009 
17 Comments
Who doesn’t want to climb the ladder of success to that private high-rise corner office in the sky? You’ve taken everyone’s advice on success from your Uncle Herb to the barista from that Starbucks down the block, but if you’re going to take anyone’s advice, why not take it from the big shots? The wisdom offered from businessmen (and women) from past and present might just be the key to landing your next dream job!
1. “It’s been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste.”
-Henry Ford founder of Ford Motor Company
Make sure you stay on the ball. If you haven’t found that ideal job you’ve been hunting for don’t give up, keep looking. The more time you spend dillydallying the more time you waste and in that time you’ve wasted some body else may come and scoop up all your once in a lifetime job opportunities.
2. “You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb.”
-Andrew Carnegie Steel magnate
If you ever want to achieve success one of the most important key factors you need to remember is that you have to be willing to work for it. You can’t expect your success to unfold within the course of one day; in order to reach the levels of success you dream of it takes time, effort, and perseverance. You’re the only one in control of your future; you steer the way on the road to your success. The assistance of others will be of no service if you are unwilling to help yourself; you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
3. “It is wrong to assume that men of immense wealth are always happy.”
-John D. Rockefeller founder and Chairman of Standard Oil
Success is not always necessarily measured monetarily. Success can simply be found by unveiling your passions and dedicating your life’s work to them be it dog grooming or hedge funds. Evaluate what success means to you and then begin to create your goals around your resolutions. It’s key to remember that a high paying salary and happiness do not always coalesce.
4. “The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”
-Bill Gates Chairman of Microsoft
Though this may not be as big an issue in today’s world as it would have 15, 20 years ago, plenty of people are still lost when it comes to the Internet and/or computers. If you happen to be one of those individuals it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to familiarize yourself with computers. The computer industry is seeping its way into almost every field out there, it cannot be escaped. Therefore, you need to equip yourself with the right precautionary measures necessary for when you come face to face with your new and most likely computer oriented career. Even if your career happens to dodge the expansion of the computer into new fields it is still a great skill to possess and can help lead to new opportunities down the line.
5. “The first rule is not to lose. The second is not to forget the first rule.”
-Warren Buffet Chairman & CEO of Birkshire Hathaway
Always make the attempt to put your best foot forward and take the time to make the right decisions. Don’t set yourself up for failure due to a careless lack of caution.
“Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes it’s built on catastrophe.”
-Sumner Redstone Chairman of National Amusements
If you do find yourself staring failure in the face, relax. Failure isn’t always a bad thing. Failures can open the door for growth, knowledge, and experience. Although it may be a difficult task, try to embrace failure when it rears it’s ugly head, learn from it, it may make you more appreciative or at least aid you in changing your bad habits.
7. “For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.”
-Mary Kay Ash founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
When you encounter a problem, solve it. Don’t give up; find a solution to the problem and work your way around it, there are always solutions. If today’s interview didn’t go well, don’t interpret it as an all-encompassing sign that no one will hire you. You need to be prepared to take the initiative to dig up inventive solutions when issues arise. Inventiveness in times of crisis is a trait that will set you apart from the rest of the herd (and make you shine in the eyes of employers.)
8. “A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.”
-Charles Schwab founder & CEO of Charles Schwab Corporation
If your goal is to achieve success it is of grave importance to be in the field you love. If you hate your line of work you can kiss the very thought of success goodbye. You’ll never succeed if you do not hold a boundless passion for your career. It’s crucial to find a career you are enthusiastic about; you cannot expect to find success in a career you dread waking up to morning after morning. Sit down and ruminate about your life’s passions and what to you is worth working towards. What is worth devoting your life’s work to?
9. “I’ve never run into a guy who could win at the top level in anything today and didn’t have the right attitude, didn’t give it everything he has, at least while he was doing it; wasn’t prepared and didn’t have the whole program worked out.
-Ted Turner founder of CNN
Have the right outlook in life, the right attitude: a positive attitude. You won’t get very far with a chip on your shoulder. Negativity and bitterness is never the answer, it will only hold you back and repel employers and coworkers. You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. You can only harm yourself with negativity; the wrong attitude is detrimental to success. The best employers can detect your attitude during the job interview, and if they sense your attitude is negative, your chances of getting the job are slim.
10. “Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.”
-Jack Welch former Chairman & CEO of General Electric
Although it is okay to fantasize from time to time it’s important to not lose your head in the clouds. Stay grounded and be realistic, you’ll set yourself up for failure if you are too idealistic. While idealism is a great characteristic to possess too much can leave you living in a dream world, it’s a smart idea to have a balance between the two.
11. “You can’t know enough in a one-hour interview. So, in the end, it’s ultimately based on your gut. How do I feel about this person? What are they like when they’re challenged? I ask everybody that: ‘Why are you here?’ The answers themselves are not what you’re looking for. It’s the meta-data.”
-Steve Jobs co-founder, Chairman & CEO of Apple Inc.
Be prepared for anything an interviewer can throw your way. Practice interviews beforehand; run through possible questions you may be asked and rehearse. Make sure you’re sending out the right impressions; know what is to be expected of you, arm yourself with the knowledge of the right body language as well as the right communication and social skills. Be sure there’s nothing masking the true hardworking, loyal future employee you will be.
12. “There are a lot of things that go into creating success. I don’t like to do just the things I like to do. I like to do things that cause the company to succeed. I don’t spend a lot of time doing my favorite activities.”
-Michael Dell founder & CEO of Dell, Inc.
A little bit of sacrifice is needed in order to become successful, sometimes more than little. You must be willing to give up a bit of free time to lay the foundation of your future success. Nothing ever got done without a little sacrifice, whether it’s putting in a few extra hours of overtime, missing out on a night out at your local bar, or taking a rain check on that golf game; a little sacrifice in the name of success never hurt anyone.
13. “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”
-Richard Branson Chairman of Virgin Group
Don’t get down in the dumps if a business opportunity turns out to be a bust. If you always keep the door open and a positive attitude a new and perhaps better opportunity is bound to walk in sooner or later.
14. “No one’s going to be able to operate without a grounding in the basic sciences. Language would be helpful, although English is becoming increasingly international. And travel. You have to have a global attitude.”
Rupert Murdoch Chairman & CEO of News Corporation
Knowledge is of importance if your plans are to make it big. The ability to speak a foreign language if not multiple languages is always a good quality to possess and offer to employers. Although there are some who managed to weasel their way around the schooling process and still landed in the graces of success, it never hurt to receive an extensive education. If you really want to go places it’s best to start with schooling, education plays a huge role in your career’s advancement.
15. “As long as you’re going to be thinking anyway, think big.”
-Donald Trump Chairman & CEO of Trump Organization
Try to reach for the seemingly impossible (within reason, we’re not talking chocolate paved roads and gumdrop evergreens here), to have a goal to strive for at all times keeps you on your toes and ignites the diligence to keep working in the direction of success.
“We aren’t here to hope and hang on. We wanted to win.”
-Eric Schmidt Chairman & CEO of Google Inc.
Don’t settle for that mediocre job that pays the bills. It’s okay to do what you need to in order to survive; if surviving means working that nightshift over at the drive-thru of McDonalds it’s okay but don’t get too comfortable, do what you can to land that career you love that does more than just pay the bills. Don’t settle for scraping by, be determined and stay on the path to success.
17. “You don’t have to be the biggest to beat the biggest”
-Ross Perot founder of Electronic Data Systems & Perot Systems
If you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth you can still make it to the top. You don’t have to start out as the best to one day surpass the best. It may take blood, toil, tears and sweat to pull yourself up the climb to success but you can do it.
18. “There’s no good idea that can’t be improved on”
-Michael Eisner former Chief executive of The Walt Disney Company
Be a team player and be open to change. Show willingness to compromise and learn to accept constructive feedback positively. Even though it may be challenging at times try not to be too hardheaded and acknowledge the input and improvements of others on your ideas. A little maturity and grace go a long way toward landing your dream job!
19. “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”
-Conrad Hilton founder of the Hilton Hotel chain
Successful people take action; it’s as simple as that. A successful person will take the required steps of action to take them where they want to go. They do not sit and watch their mistakes pile up nor do they quit. If you desire to be a success you have to keep pushing forward in spite of all your mistakes and shortcomings. For job-seekers, this means getting out there for as many interviews as it takes to land your desired position.
20. “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.”
-BC Forbes founder of Forbes Magazine
Don’t forget to have faith in yourself, with a lack of faith you can sure count on your aspirations never taking off. It’s all good and well to have goals and dreams but what use are they without faith and trust in those ambitions? Ignore unbelievers who tell you what can and cannot be done, again you need to clasp onto that positive mindset. Be an optimist!
Assume anything is possible – because it is!
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Great article, love Bransons bumper sticker on his plane.
Daniel
Nice list. I especially like the quote about how successful people keep moving and keep taking action.
You don’t have to be the biggest to beat the biggest is a nice way to put it, but it’s not as clear as it could be.
I guess just about anyone would assume that it implies that beating the biggest means to be the best. But that doesn’t always mean a surefire beat…
Over-analyzing?
Interesting piece though.
This is such a wonderful site. Not only is it user-friendly but it is attractive, and therefore, easy to navigate. The advice given on this site is incredible and much needed in today’s struggling economy. I would not only use this free service that Resume Bear provides, but I know people who would actually pay for this kind of service. I have already reccommended this site to many friends and family members! GREAT SITE.
why does success bring disastrous hair
Very interesting quotes. I think though they’re much easier said than done. It takes more than determination and enthusiasm to accomplish success. Moreover, the definition of success varies from one person to the other and the quotes in this article were collected from people who have achieved a certain amount of success as Executives, where money counts.
Our societies measure success with money and fame, whether we like it or not, we live in a superficial world. Nonetheless, many of those we (today) consider brilliant lived hardships and struggled while sticking to what they believed. Sometimes acknowledgement comes too late, after we’re gone, and when this happens the world would realize that such people were ahead of us. They were successful but who’s fault is it they never got rewarded?
I don’t really agree with conventional interviewing and textbook H.R. questions; there is very little creativity in them and they’re easily faked. It is quite fascinating how easily one can land a job based by making a few lies. The truth on the other hand, draws them away.
I say tell them what you believe you can do rather than what you have been doing. Let them think you’re the one, you’re what they’ve been looking for. I don’t mind rejection any more. And if they’re taking a chance on me, I too am taking a chance on them, whether it works or not that requires a larger scale analysis.
My favourite was this one: “Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes it’s built on catastrophe.” It makes it clear that it’s normal to fail and to succeed one must never quit.
thanks
Great list of quotes.
And for the record, EVERYTHING is easier said than done!
Well, it is easier said then done.The problem is the today’s distraction and believe me or not, those people here with their quotes had great support in the start. Here they never speak about this. There are many legacy’s took over and they are now what they are. Money is not everything. They look sick and artificial.
Rockstar
What a awesome find! I’m glad I found this 20 Best Pieces of Advice from 20 Top Executives | ResumeBear Blog blog.
I think that the quotes that you have on here are great and very inspiring. I will be reaching the level of success that I want very soon. Success is up to you and only you. Patrick
All excellent. The only thing I disagree with is that SOMETIMES GREAT opportunities come along….and that isn’t all that often so we need to really keep our eyes open!
I agree with Kim. It’s actually ourselves who bring in the opportunities…these are the chances, and we are responsible to making things happen. Our own selves do the work.
Good food for thought. However, I agree with Kim that we really need to keep our eyes open for the next great business opportunity. Thanks, ResumeBear, for always stimulating my thinking with your articles!
Greart advice from the best.
Thank you for the insights and wisdom. I’ve also found that it’s helpful for people to identify what they love doing in life and pursue that as a career. When we do things we love we are much more likely to excel. It also helps to treat others with empathy and help them shine.
Another Great article from the Resume Bear.