#708 dear graduates,

Even though my college graduation was a few years, ahem, decades, ago, I still remember the day.  We were on a football field, wearing black robes, sitting in the unfiltered sun, ready to expire from heat stroke!

Of course we had a speaker, although I could not tell you who or what he/she said.  Undoubtedly the person put great thought and effort into their oratory, but it wasn't memorable.  Nor was the speaker at the other three graduations I have attended for advanced degrees.

Today is commencement on our campus and I wouldn't be surprised if our graduates have the same experience with the speaker.  But what a thrill it would be to be asked to deliver the address.

Chicago Tribune workplace columnist Rex Huppke had these three wise nuggets to share:
1.  Don't hold out for a dream job; just find someone who will pay you to do stuff.  That's how you learn; that's how you build.

2.  Be a decent human being.  Be nice, hard working, willing to chip in when needed and pleasant to be around.

3.  Be humble.  It's a long game and you're just getting started.

What would you say if you were asked to be the graduation speaker at a college?  What words of wisdom would you want to impart to the young leadership descending upon the work world?   

Don't wait until you're behind a podium to help a new graduate grow.  Chances are, they'll remember what you say one-to-one much more anyway.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Words of wisdom for recent graduates by Rex Huppke for the Chicago Tribune in the Telegraph Herald, July 21, 2013