1.
Hey manager, here’s a quick 10-step reality check
It’s a new year, and there’s no better time than right now to look back, look ahead, and
reassess where your current habits, perspectives, and assumptions have taken you … and
where they may take you in the coming year. In that spirit, here are ten realities you need to
face up to in the coming year.
You don’t have to have an affinity or a connection with a person to show them respect and
really listen. Some of the biggest mistakes and missed opportunities in business happen
because they are connected with people who just don’t like each other. In the new year, put
your feelings aside and look for reasons to bring out the best in people.
It’s not about the product you offer, it’s about the people you help. Remember when Sony
sold toasters and electric blankets and Amazon was just some upstart online bookseller? It’s
not been that long ago. Never forget, what you offer for sale is not nearly as important to
your success as how and why you offer it.
Just because you don’t think you have enough to do “it” right, doesn’t give you carte blanche
to do it wrong. Never let limited resources be your reason (read: excuse) for failing to meet a
goal or perform as expected. Set accurate goals and give your people the resources they need
to succeed.

2.
Sometimes you will fail. That’s part of the process … but it’s not a good excuse either.
Failure should be avoided where possible and moved past when not. Don’t dwell, and don’t
make excuses. Figure it out and fix it.
With that in mind, don’t let fear of failure keep you from taking a risk. There are times whe
n you just have to jump out and go for it.
People can be difficult, but if you focus on that, rather on the job at hand, you will get
distracted and become part of the problem. You will not get along with everyone. Do your
job well anyway.
You were hired to do a job and complete a mission. Never assume you are more important
than either. Earn your job again every day. If you approach your work with that mindset,
you will immediately stand out.
When you succeed, your reward for that success will be even higher expectations.
Congratulations, you have another hill to climb. Now get up there!
When you have the opportunity to say “yes,” and no good reason to say, “no,” just say “yes.”
Don’t try to invent a reason to be negative or difficult.

3.
That said, learn how to say, “no” without explaining or making excuses. When it comes to
explanations, pick your spots. Invest in people, not their complaints.
So, anything on this list resonate with you? What are your leadership blind spots and what
are you doing to address those?
David Milberg is an experienced credit analyst in NYC. He is a long-time owner of Milberg
Factors, a factoring and finance company with locations in New York, California, and
North Carolina.