The Biggest Mistake That Accomplished People Make

Jun 13, 2016
By Mark Hopkins

This year I listened to commencement speeches at a niece’s, nephew’s, and daughter’s graduation. The speeches were all inspirational and made me curious to know what other luminaries gave commencement speeches this year and what they had to say to future leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. The one that I liked best was one by Daniel Pink at Georgetown’s graduation. Instead of rambling, his speech was focused and provided some very direct advice that, if taken to heart, would almost certainly change the trajectory of a young professional’s career. Hint, it has to with the mistake of thinking you are the smartest person in the room and how that changes everything. I can’t say more without spoiling his 15 minute talk.

If you want to know more, check out his speech here. He unveils his insight in the first five minutes with a simple exercise and then spends ten more minutes rounding out his argument. It might just be the best return you have ever received for an investment of 5 minutes.