I’m sometimes accused of repeating myself. I tend to review situations by dissecting the details and reflecting on what went well and what could have been better.
I may share different experiences, but my goal is to share my life, business or investment lessons. The common ingredients are usually people and relationships. It’s what I refer to as “The Who.” If “The Who” isn’t right, the what usually doesn’t matter much.
My core values seldom waiver. What I believe and hold near is the importance of following the Jesuit model of “men and women for others.” It’s imperative to try to assist others and make their needs and concerns a priority. What I believe and hold near to my heart never changes.
I am often opinionated, sometimes taking risks, but seldom are people surprised by my decisions. I tend to be consistent, but I am human. And like most people, there are times when our emotions may affect our behavior.
If you attempt to be consistent in who you are in every aspect of your life, you don’t need to worry about how to act. People may not believe what you believe, but they will believe in you. You’ll seldom find yourself set up to fail. Sometimes we need to hear the message multiple times before we absorb it. The following are some consistent messages, and together they tell the story of my value.
- It’s not about comparing; it’s about making a contribution.
- There are seldom shortcuts in life.
- It’s usually about The Who — who you marry, who you hire, who you invest in, who you do business with.
- To have a friend, be a friend.
- Eighty percent of success is choosing the right people.
- There is nothing more important in life than relationships.
- It’s always important to add value. I ask myself, “Am I making a difference? Am I having a meaningful impact in what I am doing and what I am working on?”
- I don’t determine what problems people have; they determine their own concerns and worries.
- As Mother Teresa said, “We are not all called to do extraordinary things, but everyone can do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.”
- Underpromise and overdeliver.
- To peak perform, find balance in your family, personal, health, financial, career and spiritual life.
- If you don’t know where you’re going, what you’re doing or why you’re doing it, who is going to follow you?
- Learning is a lifelong experience.
- If you listen to your associates and customers, you’ll get 80 to 90 percent of the feedback on what you’ll need. The balance can be gained from experts or consultants.
- Play to your strengths.
- A small percentage of decisions and actions really make the difference, so focus on those that will move the needle. If they aren’t going to make a difference, it’s wasted time and effort.
- Have you gone from success to significance? Have you made a difference? Have you touched people’s lives in a meaningful, sincere and impactful way?
If you are consistent in all aspects of life, you don’t need to be an actor. Be the best version of who you can be and who you can become. ●
Umberto P. Fedeli is CEO of The Fedeli Group
