Teamphoria Talks Hilarious Work-Life Lessons from Commencement Speeches

The new graduating class is about to join the workforce. Brace yourselves, folks. You are about to see some crazy dates come across the resumes on your desk. Born sometime around 1993, these young adults have only seen one President Bush in the Oval Office and have grown up on laptops and cell phones. Put the generational differences aside for a moment, and take a minute to remember what it felt like to graduate. You are on top of the world and terrified at the same time. It’s undeniable that this fresh-faced group will bring new ideas and perspectives to their work just like each class has before them.

As colleagues, managers, and leaders, we are probably not going through the same life-changing experience as the class of 2015, but I think we should use this time of year for inspiration too. We all have another year of experience under our belts; that in and of itself is something worth celebrating!

I pulled together a few of my favorite quotes from commencement speeches because I think they offer up some great reminders and lessons no matter where you are are in your career.

“As you set off into the world, don’t be afraid to question your leaders. But don’t ask too many questions at one time or that are too hard because your leaders get tired and/or cranky.” — Will Ferrell, Harvard University, 2003

Despite the heavy sarcasm here, I think Mr. Ferrell has a point. Leaders are people too. They are allowed to get tired and cranky once and a while. Ask questions – especially the tough ones – but remember you are speaking to a person and maybe it’s just been a really bad day. As a leader, remember it too. Too many questions at one time will drive anyone insane.

“Now I usually try not to give advice. Information, yes, advice, no. But, what has worked for me may not work for you. Well, take for instance what has worked for me. Wigs. Tight clothes. Push-up bras.” — Dolly Parton, University of Tennessee, 2009

I love this. Just be yourself. At the end of the day, do whatever you are good at and makes you happy. Don’t overcomplicate things by trying to compare yourself all of the time. Many jobs are competitive by nature, but do your best. Don’t just try to beat someone else’s best. But with that being said…

“Follow your passion, stay true to yourself, never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path then by all means you should follow that.” — Ellen DeGeneres, Tulane, 2009

Don’t reinvent the wheel. Study the leaders that have come before you and the lessons they have learned from their experiences. Oftentimes, what’s already been done is the fastest, so determine when it’s best to just take the easy route. Sometimes you’ve just need to get the heck out of the woods!

So to newest faces entering the workforce this spring, just know that whether you are struggling to figure out which company has the best culture fit for your or how to effectively communicate with your team – we are right there with you! We just hope we help a few companies make your transition a little bit easier for you.

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