This Frankly Friday features a guest article written by Leslie Clark, the Senior Strategist of Frank & Maven.
5 years ago today a fresh-faced, starry-eyed, newbie walked through the doors of Frank & Maven.
I brought with me a win-em’-over attitude and a dream to step out swinging. Almost immediately, I found myself sitting face-to-face with business leaders with years of experience who knew their industry like the back of their hands. They were now looking to me for answers and I was desperately trying to keep up.
Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say I’m a battle-hardened professional. I’ve gained well-won wisdom that has shaped my approach to business and life.
I’ve distilled my half decade of experience into 5 crucial lessons. These insights, forged through trials and triumphs, have become a playbook for how to show up in the world.
Lesson 1: Trust Isn’t Built in a Day
The journey to prove my worth taught me that winning trust is a marathon, not a sprint.
It took showing up every day, putting in countless hours, and proving I cared through consistent effort. It took over-communicating, over-preparing, and over-delivering.
Trust is earned through unwavering effort, never shutting down even when you’re turned down, and proving that your word is good. In the end, that trust will be built on a foundation of respect and tenacity.
Lesson 2: Master the Art of Relentless Research
Every minute spent researching my clients, their histories, competitors, and industries paid off when I could contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions.
As my mentor Dr. Rice says, “When you’re competent, you’re confident.” In other words, your efforts will be rewarded when people call on you to contribute in a meaningful way to discussions and, better yet, decisions.
Lesson 3: Discipline Is Not a Rigid Routine but a Flexible Resilience
True discipline is not about being perfect, but about being persistent.
Rigid routines will be shattered by unforeseen circumstances, but a flexible resilience allows you to show up with consistency.
When you get knocked off track, reevaluate, recalibrate, and recommit.
Lesson 4: Listen More Than You Speak
It’s all about understanding before being understood.
Being more impactful than opinionated.
Ask questions. Then ask more.
Look for the patterns, pain points, and potentials.
When you have a full picture painted, your words will mean more.
Lesson 5: Keep Short Accounts
Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them matters most.
Stay sincere.
Don’t get defensive.
Resolve to do better next time.
Your people won’t abandon you when you mess up. In the right spirit, it only reminds them that you’re human.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to those of you who have allowed me the opportunity to learn these lessons. Your trust, feedback, and partnership have provided the real-world experiences that make these practices invaluable in my life.
Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience under your belt, I hope you find these points as universal and timeless as I have.
Here’s to the last 5 years and cheers to the next 5 to come.
Leslie
