Significant Career Lesson From a Board President at College School District
Peter's significant career lesson involves prioritizing competing life goals, visualized as "big circles" and "little circles," adjusting these priorities as life evolves; furthermore, effective time management, likened to filling a jar with "big rocks" (major priorities) before smaller tasks, and building genuine relationships with mentors and colleagues through consistent engagement and enthusiasm are key to success.
Executive/Leadership, Networking, Prioritization, Time Management, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Peter Wright
President of the Board
College School District
Occidental College
MPA: University of Southern California; PhD: University of California, Santa Barbara
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize goals by categorizing them into bigger and smaller circles based on their importance at different life stages.
2. Manage your time effectively by prioritizing major tasks ('big rocks') and then filling in smaller ones ('little rocks') throughout the day.
3. Build and maintain genuine relationships with colleagues and mentors; their advice and support are invaluable throughout your career journey.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I had a mentor when I was in the governor's office. She talked about having different circles, some big, some little, and the little ones can get big. The big ones can get little depending on your point in life and what you value, what you need.
For example, a big circle can be wanting to make a lot of money right now, or wanting to live in a specific place. Another circle can be wanting work-life balance, or a really great working environment. All those circles can still exist, but they can magnify or diminish as your life goes on. You prioritize those big circles and kind of put the little ones to the side.
Another approach is about going through the day and using your time wisely because it is not infinite. Think of it as a jar you're going to fill with rocks. You have your big rocks, your big priorities for the day, things you've got to get done or really want to get done. Those are your big rocks.
Then you fill the jar with your little rocks. Once the big rocks are done, or in between them, what little rocks can you tackle? Another important aspect is to really collect people. You're going to meet so many interesting people along the road. Keep in touch with them and make genuine relationships. I call my old mentors often when I need advice, because everyone always needs advice.
Finally, simply be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm for your work, for your mission, for your fellow colleagues, really goes a long way.