Leaders today require two traits above all others to be successful in volatile times: the ability to deal confidently and assertively in conditions of ambiguity, and the resilience to “bounce forward” when making an error and resolving it.
There are people who ask you for feedback and then ignore it, as if just asking for it was the virtuous thing to do. If I’m ignored twice, I stop. Why talk to a wall?
Retirement is an artifact of ancient beliefs and is an indication that you have lost faith in yourself. You may leave a job or career, but you don't leave a calling.
No one raves about a hotel because their luggage wasn't lost or an airline because the plane arrived on time. Those standards are expected. The great loyalty factor is how well companies resolve unexpected problems for customers and clients.
Don't begin work with a new client until you have a signed contract. If the client is delaying signing it, you may not really have a sale. While an oral agreement is legally binding usually, it's easily contested or denied.