The advice you give can tell you a lot about yourself. I was thinking about this recently during an event at the George W. Bush Institute. I’ve written before about my passion for the institute’s Women’s Initiative Fellows Program, and I am honored to be faculty and a mentor for the current fellowship class. This class is made up of 18 women from Tunisia who are enhancing their leadership skills and working together to empower women to catalyze change.
Earlier this month, the women completed the first part of the yearlong program, a five-week stay in the U.S. During the closing event at the Bush center, they shared what they have learned through the fellowship.
One of the women said something that really resonated with me. She explained how she would use the letters ABCD to remember the most important advice she had received in the program
A is for “Add value.” Whatever you do, focus on creating value.
B is for “Be passionate.” You’ll be more creative and resourceful if you’re passionate about what you’re doing.
C is for “Connect.” Develop genuine, authentic relationships.
D is for “Do it.” Be willing to put yourself out there.
Our articles this month have focused on being bold about what makes you unique. The areas this Tunisian woman highlights reveal a lot to us about what makes her unique as leader.
My challenge to you this week is to think about what you would have said in her shoes. If you were asked to share your best advice on what drives success, how would you respond? Your answers will give you insight into what works for you and what makes you unique. I’ll be drawing inspiration from these Bush Institute fellows as they change the world, and I hope you will be, too.