Andrew Wojecki

The first 30 Days

I've been absent from blogging recently as I have taken the opportunity to work in my new role with ExxonMobil. It's been a real transition working in the L&D space for a contractor organization in energy and now within an owner-operator company. I'm enjoying the opportunities and challenges now working in a global position, and the transitions in thinking around global consistency, vendor management, and governance. It's going to be an interesting and enjoyable ride and hope that lessons from this journey can be shared here.

Lessons from the cheesy mass-emailed inspirational PowerPoint

I was sent one of those cheesy PowerPoints of inspirational metaphors set to a slideshow of flowery landscapes and Chopin or Bach playing in the background. I was about to delete it when, finally, the last slide appeared. Three lines caught my eye, which I thought were worth remembering.

1. Work like you don't need money.
2. Love like you haven't been hurt.
3. Dance like no one's watching.

Seemed like nice reference points to check in with occasionally.

Insights and lessons from the global markets and the year that was in 2008

1) Life fluctuates like the economy. When there is a downturn, don't panic. Keep your investments where they are and thoughtfully reanalyze your portfolio. Stay focused on the long-term and shed any investments that no longer match your future-focused orientation. Ensure the 'investments' - (work, relationships, activities, organizations, and commitments) you have are going to provide you with the 'return' (value, energy, inspiration, and joy) you need.

2) Some years are bigger than others. When you realize that you are having a 'big' year, don't fight it or resist it. Accept the larger forces at play. Take stock of the situation. What do you have influence over, and what do you not? Rather than fighting to control the future, focus on fighting to control the present, because in the end that is all you have control over.

3) Know when to quit. We've been raised to think we can do it all. That's not the case. Life ain't easy nor is it fair. Be smart about how much energy you have and how much you're willing to expend. You might not get exactly what you hoped for, but you'll find what you got ain't bad.

4) Your relationships are who you are. Work at relationship building continuously. That is probably where the best investment of your self is.

5) Free is good. Give of yourself and what you know. Just be smart about where you give it. Some places yield a higher return than others.

6) Stay lean on your knowledge. Work hard to minimize and maintain your information diet. In a data-saturated environment there are lots of drive-thrus. Be selective and maintain a healthy balance, but know when enough is enough. In the end, there are many commonalities and connections. Build your framework, your recipe, or your approach - that is your Brand. This is what separates you from the herd.

7) Piece yourself together like the necessary new energy mix needed to fuel our collective ways of living. You need solar, you need thermal, you need wind. Rather than looking for a good deal or avoiding the obvious, invest now in the new 'technologies' that you need to accelerate your 'personal energy mix' solution.

8) Whatever you do, be more confident in what you are doing. The odds are that others overvalue what you offer, and you undervalue what you provide and deliver.

9) Go back and revisit those significant places of your youth. Nostalgia is a trap. Just know that when you are packing your bags.

10) Drive slower. Birds, raccoons, possums, deer, and other creatures are just trying to get home after a long day too.