KNOW THE JOB: At least do the basics. As communications director at my family’s company for 13 years, I interacted with the public. I worked with the media, constantly forwarding favorable press releases. The free exposure generated a lot of business.

Years ago, a press seminar discussed effective media relations. Attendees feverishly took notes when speakers recommended meeting deadlines, returning calls, checking grammar and understanding press power. It was shocking. C’MON!!! Anyone lacking such common sense from the get-go is useless to a company. Don’t let that describe you.

BE CONSCIENTIOUS, PRODUCTIVE AND HONORABLE: Do the work, do it well and maintain good character. My parents instilled strong work ethics into me. I hope that I have developed good work habits and professional respect over 25 years. Remember, your good name means everything. A small industry means you repeatedly see the same people, so labels stick. Reputations are funny things; they rarely change once formed, good or bad.

GET PAID: It sounds obvious, but personnel fight to be paid. As an employee, you do not share the risk. However, you also do not share the profits, so expect timely payment. Occasional flexibility may be necessary, but continued calls for money are unacceptable.

My dad was a pretty tough guy, and often said, “If you plan to pay someone, do it early to get the mileage.” Good advice. Honorable people pay on time for completed work; the good guys tell you of an occasional problem.

The most indignant about being asked for pay are either lying, cheap or don’t really value your work. If they did, they would avoid jeopardizing a solid relationship; finding good people is tough.

OUTSMART AND OUTLAST THE WEASELS: Bad guys are everywhere, but they often arrogantly outwit themselves. Maintain a thick skin and a clear head: see the big picture.

With any luck, the smiling phonies ultimately get theirs in most situations. Compulsive liars also have trouble keeping the lies straight.

I have worked with people who sabotaged me during my first week. I have also worked with people who grabbed all the fame, glory and money for themselves, leaving the staff out to dry.

Understand your colleagues. If possible, sit back and enjoy the ride when these weasels self-destruct.

APPRECIATE GOOD WORK FROM ANY SOURCE: Some bosses lack common sense and some newcomers show remarkable promise. Amazingly, people with potential are often frustrated and discouraged because their superiors barely demonstrate leadership.

One former boss spent thousands to send me to management training over two years. He never asked one question about implementing what I learned.

KNOW WHEN TO GET OUT: Don’t go down with any ship. Loyalty and blind faith are very different behaviors. Two brothers, who had each worked for my dad for 35 years, bought my family’s amusement business in 1991. I remained with them, having known them my entire life.

As we Americans say, I stayed too long at the fair because conditions deteriorated dramatically. I quit in 1995, two years beyond what was smart. The business collapsed in 1997. A heartbreaking conclusion.

MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS: Develop lasting friendships in this busy world.

Friendship is give and take. People have often helped me at work. During my own significant life events, many reached out with congratulations or condolences.

MAKE PEACE WITH THE PAST: Sometimes things just go wrong. I too often fought what I considered “raging injustices” of some experiences.

I now understand some battles waste energy. Whether losing a position, facing unfair treatment on the job or watching a business disintegrate, there is life after every crushing experience. We just grow stronger to carry on.

Take a deep breath and enjoy your life. Don’t waste even a moment. Enjoy G2E. Say hello if you see me.

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