My Advice to New MBA Students
Today I am participating in the orientation of new MBA students at the University of Nevada, Reno. I have some simple advice for them that I think could also be used for any new employee or new member of your team (click on the link to learn more):
1. Unless and until you assume full responsibility for yourself, you force others to assume responsibility for you. Self-responsibility is the foundation for truly healthy relationship with others.
2. Excellence is a form of deviance. You become excellent because you do things your peers are unwilling to do.
3. Excuses are irrelevant. You only have yourself to blame for failing to reach your goals.
I’ve reached the point where I want to do things that matter with people that care (Jim Rohn). If you care, you will matter to me. If you don’t care about me or what I do, I will still do my best to care about you because that is my responsibility as a leader. But if you don’t care, please don’t expect to matter – you won’t and you only have yourself to blame.
Going back to school as an adult is not easy. I know because I’ve been there. Getting an MBA requires tremendous sacrifice, and I admire and applaud you for counting the cost and making the commitment. I’ll do my best to help you become better prepared and more effective than before we met if you find your way into one of my classes.
Welcome!
About the Author: Bret L. Simmons
Comments (7)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Sites That Link to this Post
- 5 Blogs Every MBA Student Should Be Reading | September 8, 2009
Welcome to my blog! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section of my posts. I publish all constructive, non-anonymous comments. 
Wow, this is so right on the mark! Thanks, Bret.
[Reply]
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
August 15th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Thanks, Alain! Blogging has really helped me clarify for myself what I really believe. Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to share your opinion. Bret
[Reply]
Bret,
Anyone who is lucky enough to take one of your classes should view it as the incredible opportunity it is. There are not many teachers like you – you are extremely passionate about your topics, well versed in your field(s) of expertise, and more considerate and caring than most. Thank you.
[Reply]
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the kind words, Nicole! Much appreciated coming from you. Bret
[Reply]
Well, THAT was refreshing! Thanks Bret. Nicely written.
[Reply]
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
September 6th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
welcome, Joe. glad you concur. thanks. bret
[Reply]