Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Success Skills Defined 2
The Importance of Soft Skills 4
Developing Success Skills 5
Getting the Most of This Book 6
References 7
Part 1: Readiness 9Chapter 1: Know Yourself 12
Use Your Strengths 12
Manage Your Weaknesses 14
Work Hard and Work Smart 16
Challenge Yourself 19
Reflect on Your Experiences 20
Recognize Your Stressors and Motivators 21
Chapter 2: The Importance of a Positive Attitude 26
Maintain a Positive Attitude 26
The Benefits of a Positive Attitude 29
The Limiting Effects of a Bad Attitude 31
Your Inner Circle 32
Chapter 3: Balance Your Life and Keep Learning 35
A Balancing Act 35
Live and Learn 38
Chapter 4: Maintain the Proper Context 42
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize 42
Down But Not Out 44
Part II: Relationships 46Chapter 5: Communicate Effectively 48
Professional Communication 49
Focus on Your Audience 50
Communicate Your Expectations 54
Managing Difficult Conversations and Conflict 56
Reference 61
Chapter 6: Be Professional 62
Professional Communication Revisited 62
Never Sacrifice Your Integrity 64
Commitment is Essential 65
Dress for Success 68
Work Effectively with Others 69
Chapter 7: Develop Synergy 72
Synergistic Teams 72
Diversity Revisited 74
Keep Responsibility Where It Belongs 75
Chapter 8: Embrace Mentoring 78
Selecting a Mentor 79
Maximize Your Mentoring Opportunity 81
Part III: Results 84Chapter 9: Know Where You Are Going 86
The Target 86
Make Success Personal 87
Setting and Achieving Goals 89
Parable of the Garage Sale 94
Chapter 10: Prioritize 97
Determine Your Priorities 98
Focus on Your Priorities 100
Planning and Completing Projects 102
Chapter 11: Think Critically and Solve Problems 106
Critical Thinking 106
Define the Problem 110
A Six-Step Approach to Problem Solving 112
Parable of the Pole Position 115
Chapter 12: Be Accountable 118
Accountability Counts 118
Quality Matters 119
Handling Mistakes 121
Part IV: Academic Success Skills 124Chapter 13: Academic Success Best Practices 126
Note-Taking 126
Reading for Understanding 130
Preparing For and Taking Tests 131
Conquering Procrastination 135
Staying on Track 138
References 139
Chapter 14: Academic Success Resources 140
People 140
Places 143
Things 147
References 152
Summary and Implementation 153
Learning Outcomes Revisited 154
A Final Word of Encouragement 156