Advice From Thomas Friedman

Yesterday, I blogged about the speech by Thomas Friedman at the MHA Annual Meeting.  In his closing, he gave his five points for success in this new world of globalization, and they are as follows:

• First, think like an immigrant by pursuing opportunity with energy and vigor.  
• Second, think like an artisan; take pride in all that you do; be proud to put your name on your work.  
• Thirdly, think like a start up in Silicon Valley by always thinking in Beta.  The new innovators are always working in progress; always re-tooling. 
• Next, PQ + CQ > IQ; persistence and curiosity are always greater than intelligence.  
• Lastly, think like a Perkins waitress.  Friedman's favorite restaurant is a Perkins somewhere in the midwest and this one particular waitress gives extra fruit.  She acts entrepreneurially; she adds value; she gives something unique and extra. 

Actually, Friedman's presentation was both useful and beneficial, but pretty scary.  The changes are coming fast and furious, but if we don't keep up, we will be left behind.