Erica's Interpretation

My Rules!

Rule 4: It can be done.

Anything is possible! If you put your mind to it and are smart about gathering support and resources, you can make anything happen. Leaders are often put in a situation where they have to make something happen but it seems as if it is an idea that is so far away--and maybe even impossible. Having an attitude that nothing is impossible lets you stretch your creativity and innovation to push the envelope. I can use not only this rule in working with the team this year, but also as an attitude for everything I take on in life!

Rule 5: Be careful whom you choose.

I believe this rule is sooo very important. Be careful whom you choose to surround yourself with. As a team, you guys have not been put in a situation where you got to choose who you work with. As is the case in the real world. However, know that Leslie and I have chosen each of you for what you bring to the table and believe that what you can bring not only to your position, but to the team and to HLD. I would also say to be careful who your friends are, because though you may not be engaging in bad behavior, often times you can be mistakenly associated with it because of the company you keep. More than anything, be aware of your surroundings and make sure when picking a team (or program) that you look at all sides of a person

Rule 11: Have a vision. Be demanding.

To me, this rule means ' know what you want and go after it.' I think it also means to not only be demanding of yourself, but also those working with you. This is hard for me sometimes because I am very independent and like to do everything myself so that I'm not burdening others. As a leader, I know I must have a clear vision for what I want to accomplish and my goals, and then I must push those around me to help accomplish my goals and achieve my vision. Everyone remind me that it's okay to ask for help in accomplishing my vision this year, okay?! Thanks.

Rule 12: Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

Don't listen to those who say you can't and that little voice in your head that says, ' are you sure? ' This is a hard one. However, if you are confident in what you are doing and know that you are doing it for the right reasons and to achieve your goals, then you should not question yourself. This one kind of goes back to having the attitude that 'it can be done.' It's a hard one, but a rule that can prove to be very valuable to accomplishing your goals and pushing the envelope to do the best you can.

Rule 13: Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

This one is my favorite! Having a great attitude that you can do anything, that nothing is ever so devastating that it is impossible to recover from, and that life is good is a great things to have. Taking a look on the 'bright side' never killed anyone. Like passion, I believe optimism is contagious and a great attitude to have. It's an attitude that says nothing is that bad, everything can be made better, and once you buy into this attitude, others around you will buy in too, and you will have an excited group of people ready to accomplish anything and everything! This is something I hope to bring to the team throughout the team, because I know that we can accomplish anything with a great and common attitude!

-Erica