"The Best Advice I Ever Got"

Learning something from people I respect has impacted my life significantly. In the May 12, 2008 issue of Fortune Magazine, 19 accomplished people tell us the best advice they ever got. Think of ways you can apply this to your church and your personal life.

Indra Nooyi (Chairman and CEO of Pepsico) – “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different.”

Michael Bloomberg (Mayor of New York City and Founder of Bloomberg) – “The worst advice that people can take is to react before they’ve had a chance to think. I think we all say things and wish we hadn’t said them.”

Sam Palmisano (Chairman and CEO of IBM) – I’ve noticed that some of the most effective leaders don’t make themselves the center of attention. They are respectful. They listen. This is an appealing personal quality, but it’s also an effective leadership attribute. Their selflessness makes the people around them comfortable. People open up, speak up, and contribute. They give those leaders their very best.”

Thomas S. Murphy (Former CEO of Captial Cities/ABC) – “Benjamin Selekman [Harvard Business School Professor] told me ‘Don’t spend your time on things you can’t control. Instead, spend your time thinking about what you can.’”

Craig Newmark (Founder of Craigslist) – “Aside from my technical knowledge, my sense of humor was my saving grace.”

Peter G. Peterson (Co-founder of Blackstone Group) – “Focus on those things you do better than others.”

What was the best advice that you ever got? It would be great if you could post that in the comments section.