It’s Final Exam Time: My Greatest Hero and the Little Things That Matter
It’s final exam time! In the Advanced Public Speaking class I teach at Rutgers University, the final exam is a final presentation: talk about your Greatest Hero.
Why are they your greatest hero?
How did they inspire you?
How are you better for having known them?
What is the biggest lesson you learned from or because of them?
My dad, whom I miss every day, came to mind. My pop left me with a lot of simple practices that make big impressions.
These little things that lead to big things often show up in everyday habits that most people overlook.
Here are some of those little things.
Always Look Behind You Before Walking Away
Before leaving a room, your car, a park bench, or anywhere, take a moment to look back. Make sure you didn’t leave your bag, phone, keys, wallet, or anything important behind. Small habit, big save.
Be Early and Prepared
Being early shows respect. It shows preparation. It shows you take things seriously. People who are always late are rarely fully ready. What impression are you leaving?
Take a Mental Inventory Before Leaving
Before you leave home, the office, or your car, quickly check: phone, keys, wallet, glasses—whatever matters for your day. A simple mental pat down prevents unnecessary stress later.
Work Off a Daily Plan
If you have a monthly goal, break it into a daily plan with clear action steps. This keeps your day focused and intentional. But first—get clear on the goal.
If It Is to Be, It Is Up to Me
If it is to be, it is up to me. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal responsibility. Make it happen.
Do Your Best
When you aim to do your best consistently, you naturally improve over time. Surround yourself with people who are the best—it raises your own standard.
Praise in Public, Critique in Private
Public praise builds people up and strengthens relationships. Private feedback preserves dignity and trust. Great leaders know the difference.
Start with Your Best Stuff
Open conversations, presentations, or moments with something engaging—an idea, question, story, or compliment. First impressions set the tone for everything that follows.
Complete What You Do with a Bang
How you finish matters just as much as how you start. End meetings, projects, and presentations with energy and intention. Leave a strong final impression.
Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up
Nothing moves forward without follow-up. Most people don’t do it well, so doing it consistently sets you apart. Stay on it.
Suggest a Next Step
Don’t let momentum die at the end of a conversation. Suggest the next step and, if possible, schedule it right away. Keep things moving forward.
Own It
Mistakes happen. When they do, take responsibility, apologize, fix it, learn from it, and move on. Ownership builds trust.
Make It Easier for Others
Remove friction whenever you can. Send the link, set the meeting, confirm the time zone, and take initiative. Make it easy to say yes and move forward.
Never Take the Last One
Whether it’s the last cookie, napkin, or resource—be mindful. If needed, ask first or replenish what you used. Small courtesy, big respect.
Don’t Worry
Prepare well, do your work, and trust your preparation. Worry doesn’t improve performance—focus does.
Dress Your Best as Appropriate
How you present yourself matters. We are how we show up.
Offer to Help
“How can I help?” is one of the most powerful questions you can ask. Just make sure you follow through.
What Is Your Favorite Little Thing or Best Practice? 🥊
(Comment below, then Like!)
