Your people.
They may be asking for a budget or an update or a recommendation or an exchange or an explanation or an opinion or a demonstration or a whatever.
They don’t actually want what they’re asking for.
They just want to stop worrying.
Make it your job to put them at ease.
You’ll have a long time to think about it.
Climbing up every step.
You’ll want to back out.
Say you don’t need to do it.
That you’re good.
But no.
You’ve made it this far. You’re gonna do great.
No, you might not love it. Yes, you might belly flop.
You might not want to try it again.
But you’ll never regret trying.
Jump.
Smokers do it, and nobody blinks an eye.
In fact, people are uncomfortable suggesting they don’t.
They need it.
They’re better when they come back.
We used to call ’em fresh air breaks, ironically.
Seven minutes outside to have a smoke.
Today, alas, it’s strange to tell your team you’re stepping outside for a true fresh air break. Seven minutes to just breathe.
So if you have to, tell ’em you’re going for a smoke.
But definitely, definitely take your fresh air breaks.
It’s true. You can’t please everyone, all the time.
They know it. They’re fine with it.
Why can’t you be?
Next to you on the plane. In the elevator. In line for the rental car. At the lounge. At the bar. In the cab.
You’re not going to remember any of it.
The conversations you have there, however, you’ll never forget.
Say somethin’.
Your first customer. Reader. Student. Supporter. Fan. Audience.
Your first everything that you do which requires you to put yourself out there will probably be your nana.
Yes, she’ll be your customer, reader, student, supporter, fan, audience no matter what. And she’s probably not the only one anymore.
But don’t forget to thank her for your continued support.
She always appreciates it. And so do the people who came after her.
Love you, Nana.
Please know that I am still reading email, and if I don’t respond to yours, you haven’t indicated enough urgency.
When I get back to my desk in a couple of days, your problem will likely be solved, and I’ll be off the hook.
But if, by chance, you had something important or just wanted to tell me you appreciate me, I’ll get back to you when I return. (In this case, it’s Tuesday.)
Good things,
Lenny
It may feel like you have a ton of experience.
You’ve been doing good work your entire career!
But if you’ve only been out of college for three years, your entire career is only three years.
It’s like a toddler saying they’re great at walking.
They might be. But drop them in an intersection in Midtown Manhattan and they’re gonna get crushed.
Point is this: enjoy your time as a toddler. You’ll be an adult dealing with toddlers before you know it.
Generally not outright.
Probably in the form of positioning or messaging or just by supporting work you know isn’t in your client’s best interest.
Definitely to yourself.
So be ready for it.
And be sure you’re using your PTO days.
Because dishonesty is exhausting.
There’s gonna be a monkey.
A monkey that bugs you all day.
He doesn’t want to work.
He wants to play.
Play with the monkey during the day, and you’ll be mad at him at night.
Play with him when the important stuff is done and you’ll happily do what he wants.
Monkey will get his attention.
And despite what it seems, he prefers it when you aren’t mad at him.
[HT Wait Buy Why]