I subscribe to Fortune Magazine for two issues: “The Fortune 500 “and the “Best advice I ever got” issue, which came over the weekend. As we start what is going to be a slow week for many of us as we look forward to the upcoming holiday weekend (or are already on vacation), why not take time to reflect on the advice we have received over the years?

Here are a few from Fortune Magazine that I found fitting for those of us in the legal industry. Click on the link for the back story.

  • Mort Zuckerman, Chairman, Boston Properties; chairman, editor-in-chief, U.S. News and World Report: Do what you love

For me, the best piece of advice I received was the worst piece of advice: Do a good job and they’ll notice you. I wrote about it here.

The next best piece of advice I received, and the foundation for most everything in my life, was not in words, but in the actions of my father: If it is worth having, it is worth working for.

My immigrant grandfather built a garment manufacturing business right out of Outliers. I remember spending a couple summers working in our clothing factory “bagging and tagging” alongside everyone else. My father insisted I begin work when the factory bell rang. I took my breaks when the bell rang. And, I left work when the bell rang … just like everyone else. I remember the shock on the faces of the factory workers that my father expected the same out of me as he did out of them. The factory owners’ granddaughter was no better, and no worse, than they were.

What I realized years later is that my dad was setting the foundation for what was to come. Put in the hard work, and you will see results – Treat everyone with kindness and respect –
If it is worth having, it is worth working for.

On the outside I looked like every other spoiled Westside brat. I drove a hot convertible. I wore designer clothes. I ate lunch out every day.
Yes, my dad bought me a car, but I was expected to get a job to pay for the gas, insurance and upkeep. I worked to pay for the “upgrades” in my wardrobe from Levis to Guess! And while I received a monthly stipend from my parents during college, I was expected to work my way through to pay for everything else (including tuition and books), just like my immigrant grandfather.

And, while I resented this growing up, I appreciate it so much today.

Over the years, I have always come to rely on myself. I never have a problem rolling up my sleeves to get the job done. I admit that I can take this to an extreme, but I don’t think there’s anyone out there who wouldn’t say that “the job ALWAYS gets done” if I’m on the team.

Over the years, I have had to learn to step back and hand some “control” over to others … but, for the most part, I am “here” due to the best advice my dad taught me.

What about you?? What’s your best advice you ever got??