It's been said that we are the average of the FIVE people we spend the most time with. Choose your friends wisely and surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who are fun to be around and who share your passions and interests.

Demonstrate your networking savvy by using this powerful technique to introduce a client to someone or to introduce a friend to another friend. It's an excellent gift-giving and kindness opportunity.

Make your commitments and promises with care and then follow through -- do what you said you would do ... do it with 110% effort and get it done ahead of schedule. Make that part of your trademark.

Sometimes the message or learning point is loud and clear; other times it's subtle and not so apparent .... but ... it's ALWAYS there. Look for it, seek it out and view it as a learning or growth opportunity.

Eliminate the "I don't have time to show you or teach you how to do it" excuse with this delegation process idea. Find ONE THING NEW each week to delegate and focus YOUR time on the things that add the most value.

What is that you need to let go of at work ... something that probably was a great thing to do when you originally started doing it, but no longer serves a truly valid purpose. What can you eliminate?

Use these questions and this process to help a colleague or a friend recall, relive and replay a positive experience or an event they were proud of and/or for which they received previous recognition

We all want to improve ... to get better. Seeking feedback from others is an excellent practice for identifying areas of improvements -- things you may not see or may not be aware of. Make a habit of seeking feedback from others.

Regular, "standing," one-on-one meetings (in person) with each of your direct report team members is an excellent leadership practice. Regular communication is key and the one-on-one time allows for coaching-oriented conversations when necessary. Do you have an established rhythm and routine for meeting individually with YOUR team members?

Running behind? ... Then let the person with whom you'll be meeting or talking to know. Traveling or commuting a significant distance to attend the meeting? ... Then call ahead to confirm the other person is still good for the meeting. Employ the courtesy call habit ... make it a part of your personal brand.