Norman Augustine, former Lockheed CEO and undersecretary of the army, shared his strategies for successful living with Michigan Tech’s Class of 2011.
- Guard your reputation. More than your degree, more than your health, your most precious possession is your good reputation. I have highly accomplished friends whom I have watched destroy their lives by making one mistake in the character or ethical sphere. When it comes to ethics, what’s done can’t be undone. There are no recalls, no timeouts, no do-overs.
- Work well and hard. Motivation will beat mere talent almost every time. The combination of talent and motivation is virtually unbeatable. I’ve been struck by how many in the top ranks of Fortune 100 companies don’t have four-digit IQs, or Ivy League diplomas, or parents who were millionaires. They are highly dedicated to what they are doing and work very hard.
- Plan, but not too much. To have a general sense of where you want to go is good, but it’s important to prepare yourself broadly, so you can take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. It’s easier to engage the future than to predict it.
- Work in the present. When pursuing a career, focus on present responsibilities and don’t worry about getting ahead. If one does this, tomorrow takes care of itself.
- Do good works. Engage in worthy pursuits outside your regular responsibilities. You will find much greater satisfaction in life.
- Keep on learning. Some have suggested that diplomas should come with expiration dates. You’ll have to continue to learn throughout your life. The alternative is to become professionally middle-aged in a decade.
- Make the best of your life. Life has a way of slipping by. Try not to waste it. Sadly, compromises will have to be made—you can’t do everything—but you can do a lot. Set high goals and reach beyond what you think is in your grasp.
- Just do it. Life is not a spectator sport. It’s not a dress rehearsal. Avoid frivolous risks, but take judicious risks that offer commensurate rewards. The greatest regrets are not the opportunities wepursue and fail but the opportunities we fail to pursue.
A final, broadly applicable bit of advice for young engineers . . .
Most engineers are pretty good engineers, but a distinguishing feature is to be able to write.