The most valuable career advice I’ve ever received

What makes people successful? Early in my career, I was given the guidance to make listening to customers a priority. I think listening has a lot to do with being more effective. For me, learning how to listen to customers, and really understand the customers’ problems, has helped make it possible to solve them. It’s critical that I spend as much time, or even more time, in an active listening mode, and hear about the challenges our customers face and learn about some of the things they're trying to accomplish. By actively listening, I can make sure that what we're doing for them as a company remains business relevant, and continues to deliver value. Really listening can also help you in areas well beyond your job, and a make a difference in the way you relate to people who are important to you. If you don’t believe me, just ask my wife.