Miss Brown is a Chocolate Labrador Retriever with an ego. "Not to brag," she says, "but I'm unusually smart." That's why she runs her own business, and that's why she has some strong ideas about leadership. She solves her problems with 13 common sense principles - and she believes these principles will help leaders solve the problems they face, too.
Here are some questions leaders have submitted to Miss Brown - and her answers, based on these 13 principles.
Q: I feel tired just thinking of going to work. What should I do?
A: You should take a look at my first common sense principle, "Love What You Do." It doesn't seem to me like you love what you do, because if you did, you'd be eager to go to work every day, like I am. You'd keep a smile on your face that starts from deep within, just like me. Since this is not the case for you, you should think about making a change. Think about what you'd be doing if you did love what you do - and make a plan for getting there. Write down what needs to happen, and then write down the steps you need to take to get there. These steps could involve getting to know people who work where you'd like to work, or perhaps gaining new skills that prepare you for the job you'd really like to have. In any case, the idea is to start today. Look at your current job as a stepping stone to the job you really want to have. Take the first step toward where you want to be.
Q: I hate meetings. They are so long and boring - a complete waste of my time.
A: You are not alone. Lots of people hate meetings. My second principle, "Do What You Do with All Your Heart," applies here.
Meetings are an inevitable part of work.
Q: I have a small business. I'm thinking of growing my business by buying another small business. Is this a good idea? What do I need to think about?
A: It's pretty important to take a risk now and then. So I'd say, write down answers to some important questions, and then, if the answers make it seem like a smart idea, go for it. Ask yourself:
- What are the pros? What are the cons?
- If you go ahead, what's the absolute worst that can happen? Will you be okay if the worst does happen?
- Is the risk worth it to you?
- What are the risks of doing nothing?
More to Come
As you can see, Miss Brown is pretty wise. Look for more questions and answers from her soon. The interesting part is, she talks about work - but she could be talking about life, too. The same things that work at work help you to live better, too.
Miss Brown Offers Some Advice