Mediocrity Is Not an Option

Author Robert M. Chiusano never considered mediocrity an option, and neither should you As one who climbed from an entry-level engineering position to become the COO of a "Fortune" 500 company, Chiusano's personal story will inspire and drive you to reach your full potential.

First, he asks you to look in the mirror to improve your self-awareness; only then can you discover who you are and define the path toward reaching your longer-term vision. Then you'll be ready to recognize and adopt the skills and behaviors necessary to enable you to achieve those objectives and become a leader in your field, empowered to take on and conquer every challenge that comes along.

Learn to respect and value yourself without bias. Willingly accept ownership for your actions and outcomes. Utilize the power of mentoring, building networks, giving back, and striving to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Most importantly, learn, have fun, and make a difference in everything you do. The energy that comes from the passion you demonstrate will inspire those around you. You will find that opportunities start seeking you out, both personally and professionally-all because, for you, mediocrity is not an option