We had the privilege of hosting Craig Dryden, Vice President of Energy and Utilities at Minerva CQ, as a guest speaker in our Management class today. He shared his inspiring career journey with us, and I found his speech particularly engaging, especially his optimistic outlook on life. His ability to find positivity in every situation stood out to me. Some key takeaways that resonated deeply with me include:
1) Make every job the best job you've ever had. He emphasized that no job is insignificant, reinforcing the idea that “No work is small or big; every job is important.” He highlighted how, within a large organization, even the roles of the lowest-paid employees matter, as it is the collective effort that ensures the successful operation of the system.
2) Strive for greatness, not mediocrity. This aligned with one of my favorite sayings: “Always shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll land on a star.” He encouraged us to always go the extra mile, reminding us that the rewards of striving for excellence far outweigh the comfort of settling for mediocrity.
3) Leadership is a privilege, not a right. He emphasized that leadership comes with great responsibility and should not be abused. Not everyone is suited for decision-making at higher levels, and he underscored that recognizing one’s limitations in leadership is often more commendable than taking on a role for which one may not be well-suited.
4) The STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. He introduced us to this framework, which he recommended as a valuable tool for analyzing and solving problems, whether in the context of job performance, interviews, or even personal relationships. The ability to approach challenges strategically is an invaluable skill, and it is one that can greatly benefit both professional and personal aspects of life.
Additionally, he advised us to enjoy our time and have fun, as time is limited. Thank you Holly Campbell and Craig Dryden!
Congrats Danica - I look forward seeing more of your dedicated work on our campus!