Things I learned from Randy

When I started my professional career, I worked with an awesome guy named Randy. I learned so much from him that, years later, I thought I'd write it all down so I'd never forget it (my Randy-wisdom is listed below -- I figured the best thing I could do with the gift he gave me is pass it on). I sent this list to him recently. He tells me it's one of the best e-mails he's ever received.

1. Always put on your suit jacket when you leave the floor where you work.
2. When you enter an elevator with others, turning your back to the door and facing them is a nice way to show that you're engaged in the conversation. It's also useful if you wish to unnerve people on elevators who don't know you. NO ONE ever expects someone they don't know to turn to face them while you're both rocketing upward 37 floors. :)
3. Giving your long-time girlfriend a ring in a plain velvet box on a major holiday and then not saying anything can get you in trouble.
4. Learning to drum is one of the coolest things a person can do.
5. There's no reason whatsoever to be intimidated by the boss. Or his boss. Or any of them.
6. Irreverence is healthy. So is laughter. Both can be expressed at work (just use your head).
7. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your co-worker is introduce them to someone else. ("Hey, you really need to meet this guy I know in the engineering department -- you'd like him ...")
8. Greeting your colleagues with a smile can turn their day around instantly, especially if you call them "friend."
9. Hard work doesn't always pay off. So you can't EVER forget to take charge of your own career and find ways to advance on your own, because no one will do it for you.
10. Keep your chin up as you walk through your office. Take pride in your abilities, and know what you're worth.