[December 31, 2025] Many years ago, I got some pragmatic advice on how to succeed in my job as an Army officer. The professional advice was simple. Act like everything you do is an interview for a new job.
At first, I thought this was overly dramatic advice, and it did seem so, but here is what that person was saying about acting like you are in an interview.
- Present your best at all times. Show a positive attitude. Smile. Be easily approachable. Be agreeable. If you are asked to do a small favor, do so. If you are asked to do a dirty job or one that is low status, do the job anyway, and do it cheerfully.
- Communicate and show people that you are a hard worker. Show that you don’t mind doing the hard work that actually does need doing. Make sure people can see you getting your hands dirty. This is show and tell at its finest. Show that you can do difficult work, uncomplainingly and voluntarily. And tell them you don’t mind doing so. And be flexible, especially with your work hours. Don’t complain. Be a doer. Have solutions.
- Demonstrate your technical knowledge. The best leaders show that they have useful skills, are working to improve those skills, and have no issue doing difficult technical work necessary to succeed. At the least, show that you are improving on the skills you do possess.
- Be prepared. That’s what we do for a formal interview anyway, and that is what we should do for everyday work tasks. Look forward into the future and see if you can be ready for what might be coming down the pike. This doesn’t mean you must have a Crystal Ball, but at least be ready for the basics. If you can’t anticipate the future, then you cannot be ready for what comes next.
As long as your behavior is not illegal, immoral, or unethical, and it seems like the right thing, then go ahead and do it. If there is a potential downside, then you need to make a practical decision on your behavior. Most of us know the difference between right and wrong, and where the gray areas are. Be careful, but don’t be too overly cautious.
One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my military career was to never volunteer for anything. While I understand the concept, it is all wrong. That’s a bad piece of advice which is best ignored. Do volunteer. And do it with a great attitude. Your boss will be most appreciative, and making the life of your boss better and easier is one of the secrets to success.
Sometimes in life, especially in your work life, we have to just grin and bear it. Having your mind set on doing well is a good first start. Develop an attitude that makes the lives of everyone around you wish they were you. This is not about being popular but about being the person others can rely upon to get things done.
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Gen. Satterfield, I can see the value of this perspective, but it also can be overdone. Anyone who has the appearance of being “positive” all the time, might be seen as a little nuts.
Interesting, well said.
Good advice. Take this for what it is, Gen. Satterfield continues to give us advice that has been proven correct for the entire history of mankind. Keep it up, sir, we are the ones who gain from this wisdom.
NEVER VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING
“One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my military career was to never volunteer for anything. While I understand the concept, it is all wrong. That’s a bad piece of advice which is best ignored. Do volunteer. And do it with a great attitude. Your boss will be most appreciative, and making the life of your boss better and easier is one of the secrets to success.” – Gen. Doug Satterfield gets it right. We are always told to never volunteer to do anything or you will be given more work, often dangerous and risky. But in reality, volunteering to do more is based on the idea that more work, done right and with a good attitude, means your boss will take notice and the next time your boss has something to give out, you will be first in line. Like a promotion or increase in pay. In the rare circumstance that you have a bad boss (and Gen. Satterfield has written on this), then start making plans to depart that job.
This is all about one’s perspective on life. Always be oriented toward a higher goal. And that way you will be working toward something good. That adds internal motivation to be good also.
Eva, nailed it. 🎯. Good to see you back on Gen. Satterfield’s blog of leaders.
You too DPG, I haven’t seen you here in a couple of months. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all. ✅
Great advice and something I’ve always tried to do, and that is to be my very best at all times. Sometimes, when you’re tired or unhappy or having a bad day, don’t let on that you are down. Project good. Project that you are satisfied with your job and appreciate and care for those around you. That is how people are attracted to you. They don’t want to be around an old grouch. They want to be with folks who are positive, can help them if needed, and can also push them when they need it.
NEW YEARS EVE ….. YEAH 👀