Harvey Mackay's New Years Resolutions
by Harvey Mackay
Harvey Mackay’s New Year’s Resolutions
In Harvey Mackay’s book, "Pushing The Envelope All The Way To The Top", he examines the role of leaders in today’s business world. These resolutions are a way to be more successful in business and at home.
I will improve my listening skills. I will remind myself that I can’t learn anything when I’m doing the talking. I will abandon my phony “open door” policy and establish specific meetings and set aside specific times so that others can have real access to me. I will break down barriers and I will try to end the “not invented here” syndrome and encourage the free flow of information across departmental and hierarchical lines. I will answer my own phone – well, I will answer it more often.
I will improve my professional skills. I will cease to be a pothole on the information highway. I will not allow myself to become one of those old fuddy-duddies who brags about their inability to operate modern business equipment. I will get up to speed in computers and communications equipment. Nobody should enter the 21st century without being computer literate.
I will improve my reading skills. Unfortunately, my reading ability has slowed down over the years and it is taking me longer to absorb less. I will take a speed-reading course. Instead of reading what merely confirms my existing prejudices, I will search out material that introduces me to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
I will waste less time. I will use my commuter time to read more or to listen to audiotapes that can help me improve my skills and broaden my understanding.
I will exercise regularly. I will exercise regularly to the point where I become “positively addicted.” I know exercise not only improves my health but helps me maintain a high level of performance on the job.
I will encourage risk-taking. I know that more businesses fail from lack of boldness than from trying something new. I will not punish or ridicule honest mistakes. I love my work. I want others to feel the same about theirs, so I will try to make my workplace a fun and exciting place to be, not just a paycheck.
I will put into practice a plan to become the sole source of supply to my largest customers. The most important element of my plan is to treat my customers as though I were their most dedicated employee and consultant, ready to serve them in every way so they feel my company is practically a division of their company.
I will be committed to growing and improving every facet of our business. I want every employee in my company to know we are open for hire eight days a week, 13 months a year. I want them constantly to be on the lookout for good people to become a part of our team.
I will contribute to my community. I will be a giver. I will give money. I will give time. I will try to make a difference. I want to help make the place I live become a better place for everyone.
I will not neglect my family in pursuit of the almighty dollar. I will never forget that they do more to keep me on an even keel and bring more genuine happiness into my life than any business success I can ever achieve. So Carol Ann, David and Virginia, Mimi and Larry, Jojo and Michael, make room for me. I’m on my way home.
Harvey Mackay is the founder and president of Mackay Envelope Corp. in Minneapolis, MN. He also is a popular inspirational author. An article in The New York Times, August 24, 1996, listed "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie as number 7 on the list of best-selling motivational books of all time. The article rated Mackay’s "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive" as number 10.
