It's How You Say It.
Best Advice
Mary Connor Stories
Lessons Learned
Successful Traits
100

What are 2 of the most powerful words?

Don't underestimate the power of "Please and Thank you."  

People notice...and notice when you DON'T say them.

100

"Don't worry about...?

Things you can't do anything about. -Mary's Dad

100

Accept big challenges.

Ask Mary to tell the story about Terminal C in Newark.

100

What happens if I take the wrong turn?

Use adversity as an opportunity.

You can do a U-turn, no problem.  Or, take the new road and see where it takes you.  Perhaps you'll make a happy discovery.

It's not the end of the world, it's just a wrong turn.


100

Be YOUR best at all times.

Know that you did your best with each task.

Be proud of your work.  Believe in yourself. 

200

Response when someone says Thank you?

You're welcome.  

Or, even better, "My pleasure." 

(See how different that sounds?)


200

Luck comes from hard work.

They call it "work" for a reason!  But, the harder you work, the more luck you have.  

That's not a coincidence!

200

Be yourself.

Ask Mary to tell the story about writing a poem to get a job.

200

Mom's Advice 

"Check your work." 

Why?

It's your last chance to make a first impression with the work you deliver.  Typos (and other mistakes) are easy to make but are still a reflection of how serious you are about your assignments.

200

Keep learning.  Knowledge is power.

Be curious. Expand your horizons.

Learn CPR? How to say hello in 5 languages? Where did Cboe start?  It's all out there!

300

"How can I help you?"


Most people will help when asked.  

Fewer people jump up.  Be the one who makes the offer.  People will notice.


300

In an interview, have a hook.  What does that mean?

Something to remember you by.  

300

Your career can be wiggly.

Ask Mary to tell the story how she went from Kansas schoolteacher to high finance industry in London.


300

Be pro-Active.  What does that mean?

Think about the next steps.  What's the next thing you (or someone) needs to do.  How can you help make that happen?


300

Be patient and persistent.  

Create personal habits, set goals, measure your success.  Know where you are trying to go.

Then, know that improvement comes slowly, not overnight.

400

What's a BETTER response to the question "How are you?"

"I'm terrific!"  Or, super, or wonderful! Set a positive tone!

Avoid saying "Not so bad...."

400

Ask questions.  When are questions appropriate?

At Work - clarify your assignment

At Home - ask how you are today?

When You Meet Someone - find out more about them.

400

Speak up!

Ask Mary to tell the story about presenting to the VP's at Continental.

400

Small acts of kindness go a long way.  Can you think of an example?


Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Holding the door; letting someone on the bus in front of you, offer a drink to the courier. 

400

Always do what is right.


Not what's easy.  Keep your promises.


500

Quick way to give a compliment.

"You did great." (Emphasis on the "you"!)

Or, "That was terrific."

Be sincere and Mean what you say.


500

I made a mistake.  Now what?

Be honest. Admit it.  It won't get better unless you face it and fix it.  

Tell the appropriate person and work out how to correct it.

500

Every day is a precious gift.

Ask Mary to tell the story about her cancer diagnosis many years ago.

500

Prioritize your health with diet and exercise.  Why?

You have one body and it has to last your whole life.  Best to start taking care of it now! 

500

Work Hard

Distinguish yourself as a hard worker.  Impress others with your work ethic.


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