10 Most Important Principles That Helped Make Me Successful

I ran across this list shortly after I returned to working on my own again in June 2006. Because it so closely matches my own perspective on working life, I immediately printed it and hung it on my office wall - where it's been since. -HOC

10 Most Important Principles That Helped Make Me Successful
by Ray Kappe architect, planner, and educator

1. Think positively, not negatively.

2. Accept structure but know that it is to be questioned and broken when necessary.

3. Always be willing to explore, experiment and invent. Do not accept the status quo.

4. Know yourself and keep your work consistent with who you are and how you think.

5. Maintain good moral and social values.

6. Be humble, honest, compassionate, and egalitarian.

7. Have conviction about your work.

8. Be open and say yes to most ideas and requests. The good ones will be valuable, the bad ones will cease to exist.

9. Allow employees and fellow workers freedom and the ability to work to their strengths. Avoid hierarchy.

10. Money should be the residual of work, not the goal. But do not compromise your worth.