Valuable Advice from Mentors and Managers: Lessons That Changed My Career and Life
As I reflect on my journey from my first job out of college to my career as a seasoned professional in the business world, several pieces of advice stand out. These words of wisdom from bosses, mentors, and supervisors have had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. Let me share three memorable quotes that continue to guide me in my career.
Lesson from My First Manager
My first job out of college: It's a common saying that “always be striving.” I was fortunate enough to have a new manager on my first day of work who shared this advice. He said, “At the end of 5 years you will have 5 years of experience or 1 year of experience repeated 5 times.”
This phrase has stuck with me throughout my entire career. It encouraged me to make every job a learning opportunity and to constantly seek knowledge and improvement. Whenever I managed people, I often shared this advice. It has benefited me personally and professionally for decades.
Kindness from a Factory Supervisor
Working in a factory after high school: The job was hot, dirty, and often frustrating. My supervisor, a jovial black man in his 50s, spoke only once to me. He gently said, “Don’t let the job git to ya.”
These simple words were incredibly kind and encouraging. Instead of yelling at me to work faster or telling me to be grateful, he reminded me that I was an adult with dignity. This advice helped me to lift my spirits and feel seen as a responsible individual, not just as a minimum wage worker.
Enduring Lessons from My Mentor, Marcus
Mentorship in debt collection: Marcus was a legendary figure in the world of debt collection. When I first started in the business in the mid-1970s, he took me under his wing and shared his motto: “Success doesn’t come to the bright or polite. It’s bestowed on the ruthless few willing to do what others aren’t.”
He also said, “I’m right as goddamn rain about this.” I’ve always respected the straightforward and often harsh nature of his advice. He taught me that in a tough and gritty business, you need to be relentless and willing to take decisive action.
From Marcus, I learned to be aggressive in debt collection, sometimes using serious violence with precision to teach those who defaulted on their obligations the true cost of their actions. This includes “enforcing” collections for my clients in a precise and aggressive manner to scare those who were unlikely to pay.
Even years later, I continue to use many of the principles and phrases he taught me. Now, as a counselor to younger men in the same line of work, I remind them of the importance of being ruthless and relentless in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
These pieces of advice, whether coming from my first manager, a kind supervisor in a factory, or my tough mentor Marcus, have shaped my career and life in profound ways. They have taught me the importance of continuous learning, the value of seeing a person with dignity, and the need to be relentless in the face of challenges. As I continue on my journey, I carry these lessons with me and pass them on to others who can benefit from them.