editor's perspective

Life Lessons From an Educational Program

BY CARLA J. MACK, OD, MBA, FAAO, EDITOR

About two years ago, I decided with the support of my family to pursue an executive master in business administration education program. I felt I had a common sense business mind and approach that had the potential to be both broadened and fine tuned with more formalized training. Now at the end of this journey, I'm somewhat surprised at what I learned and what impacted me the most. I greatly value my now strengthened business acumen attained from numerous business case analyses as well as from classroom and small group discussions. However, the greatest lessons learned were about life in general and insights about me, not business, from my peers and professors.

While most pearls of wisdom were discovered within the context of my educational program, I feel that many of these concepts can apply to decisions we all make every day in our practices, other business ventures and even at home. Some of the maxims I'm about to mention are not earth shattering, but I hope at least one or two of them will make you stop and think about your own situation and decisions you are preparing to make.

• Don't pick a fight you can't win.
• Planning and preparation are crucial; know when to change or when to abandon ship.
• Many decisions you make are based on insufficient information.
• Each of us is a teacher and a learner.
• Enjoy the journey and worry less about the destination.
• Be confident; not arrogant.
• Have high expectations.
• Know what you don't know.
• Motivate, inspire, lead.
• Self awareness is crucial; understand what others experience or how others feel when they are with you.
• Don't be afraid to fail, and always reach beyond your grasp.
• You must be tenacious about what is important to you.
• Everyone you encounter has something to give.
• Look beyond professional success and be significant in all of life.