Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I didn’t need the books in the ’80s and ‘90s about “if you’re not early, you’re late” or “skate to where the puck is going to be”. No, that was money I could save because instead I grew up with George Gird. My father would make somewhat of a show of getting behind the wheel of the car about 15 minutes before our scheduled departure. If you weren’t early, you were left behind. “On time” was actually late. That was the rule — no reminders, no courtesy honks, no second chances.
It turned out to be one of the best professional lessons I ever learned. My dad’s version of career coaching didn’t come from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Dress for Success or even What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. He certainly believed in the value of Winning Friends and Influencing People, but only after someone had shown they could do the work (aptitude). And, then demonstrated they were also willing to do the work (initiative). His approach was never flashy; it came first from a demonstrated consistency, from proving yourself capable before attempting to earn anyone’s trust or admiration.
Show up. Be ready. Respect other people’s time.
Years ago, a lobbyist I know summed up his formula for success in three simple lines: Show up. Be polite. Do the work. While I agreed wholeheartedly, I couldn’t help but smile. My dad had already taught me all that — without ever calling it a formula.
Some lessons don’t need to be discovered. They just need to be remembered.
In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and “life optimization,” it’s easy to overlook the power of the basics. The truth is, most success still starts where it always has — with the people who show up on time, treat others well, and quietly get the job done. My dad would probably call that common sense. I call it walking the walk — living the lessons instead of just talking about them.
Until Next Time,
Mary Schuster
Chief Knowledge Officer
October Research, LLC