Lessons Learned

by Diane M. Calabrese | Published May 2026

 

 

The lessons learned by others can be invaluable to us. In fact, the value of the lessons goes well beyond the basics, such as which plants are poisonous and which animals are predators. It extends to every dimension of life, including one’s professional life.

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in professional life is this: If it’s complicated, it probably isn’t clear,” says Scott Hansen, president of Alkota Cleaning Systems in Alcester, SD.

“Early on I thought that sounding sophisticated meant using more detail, more analysis, and more explanation,” says Hansen. “But I learned that the more complex a message becomes, the harder it is for people to act on it.”

“It’s a lesson that applies across all parts of a business,” explains Hansen. He adds, “Whether it’s strategy, sales goals, pricing changes, or internal communication, clarity wins. Communicate a  simple message.”

With so many modes (channels) of communication, consideration of how to convey information becomes important. An email, a text, a call, or in person–which is the best choice? Obviously, it depends.

But a good corollary to the emphasis on clarity is to embrace simplicity. And that can mean talking in real time.

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my professional life is simple: When something isn’t right, pick up the phone—don’t send an email,” says Karl Loeffelholz, channel sales manager—commercial pressure washer, Mi-T-M Corporation in Peosta, IA.

“Early on I realized that when situations are tense or unclear, emails can easily be misinterpreted,” explains Loeffelholz. “Tone and intent don’t always translate well in writing, especially when someone is frustrated.”

It’s much easier to respond to someone—whether customer, vendor, or colleague—in the fastest possible way when we can hear the nonverbal information that comes through with their voice. It could be anger, but it could just as easily be something like a deep sigh that signals frustration.

“A quick phone call allows for real conversation, immediate clarification, and often defusing of issues before they escalate,” says Loeffelholz. “It builds understanding instead of creating assumptions.”

A commitment to talk in real time (via phone or video) with someone who has a concern also demonstrates respect, and being respectful of others goes a long way toward enhancing understanding.

Think of it all in terms of reciprocity. “Another principle that has guided me throughout my career is to treat customers the way I would want to be treated,” says Loeffelholz.

“When you lead with fairness, honesty, and respect, you’re not just working toward a transaction; you’re building trust,” says Loeffelholz “And trust is what turns a one-time customer into a lifetime relationship.”

 

Learn from Every Experience

“I am not sure who coined the phrase ‘business is about two things: winning and learning,’” says Jeff Theis, president and CEO of ProPulse, a Schieffer Company in Peosta, IA.

“Certainly, we can learn when we win,” explains Theis. “But many difficulties are often considered as losses at least initially.”

One’s outlook often changes over time. And a loss can become a lesson as well as a foundation for professional growth.

“Losing almost always brings about learning that can be applied immediately—or latently—for wins,” explains Theis. “Sometimes the most valuable lessons come with pain, and as humans we tend to remember pain for a very long time.”

The memory in our repository of life’s lessons is a good thing, says Theis. “So, when pain reoccurs, we often have already been enlightened to the cure.”

The sum of positives and negatives strengthens us. “To me, winning is important but not the most important thing,” says Theis. “The most important thing is resiliency in the moments we are not winning.”

Fall? Get up. Dust off. And keep going.

Sometimes it means starting all over again, yes. But it’s starting over with more knowledge and understanding than on the previous try.

“I have often said that if I ever write a business book, it will be titled Plan B (Almost Always) Costs More,” says Theis. “Often we obsess about moving on when Plan A is irretrievably broken because Plan B usually costs more in terms of money, time, reputation, etc.”

A second baseman who fails to tag out the runner sliding in may be covered with dust and humbled. But there’s still the other runner heading home from second who could be taken out with a long throw. Speed matters. No time for regrets.

The same applies to any profession. “The faster one accepts the death of Plan A and pivots to Plan B, the less expensive it will be in the long run,” says Theis.

Top tier bridge (and poker) players never play the last hand. Instead they put that hand out of their mind and assess their odds anew to develop a strategy that fits the new hand.

Learn from experience, but don’t let an experience constrain a new approach. Focus is on resilience, not repetition.

 

Life-long Learning

“I have learned in my professional life—and personal life as well—that you can never stop learning and you can never know too much,” says Chad Reiffer, distribution program manager, Hydro-Chem Systems (HCS) in Caledonia, MI. “That applied to my career prior to my entry into the power cleaning industry and has been especially true since transitioning into this field 10 years ago.”

Reiffer explains that the opportunities to keep learning are everywhere. Just seize them.

“Surround yourself with good people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or start a conversation,” says Reiffer. “If you’re honest, genuine, and have good intentions, you’ll naturally be drawn to like-minded individuals who have achieved success and are open to giving back. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and listen.”

Things change, and being open to the possibilities that changes bring is embedded in the lesson of life-long learning. One experience can build on another in unpredictable ways.

“Ten years ago I was managing bowling pro shops, and now I’m in a strategic position with Hydro-Chem Systems as well as serving on the CETA board of directors executive committee,” says Reiffer. He adds he has also earned recognition as an industry expert in his field.

“I have many people to thank for training, education, and mentorship, as well as living by their examples,” says Reiffer. “However, none of that would have directly led me to where I’m at today personally and professionally without my willingness to learn, listen, and ask questions.”

Many kinds of lessons learned contribute to a strong professional (and personal) life. They should all be taken to heart.

“Some other lessons I’ve learned and passed along would be to ‘be willing to give more than you get’ and ‘give without asking to receive,’” says Reiffer. “I’m also a big fan of preparedness and education, so one of my favorite phrases to my kids and colleagues would be, ‘You’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.’”

Reiffer sees the value in the various maxims we use to remind ourselves of important approaches to life. “I believe these quotes go hand in hand with the lessons I’ve learned and been taught in my professional and personal life.”

 

Kindness

We never liked the way some spell out the words in the KISS acronym as keep-it-simple-stupid because it incorporates an aspersion. In happier times the slight might make us laugh because we have made a “stupid” mistake (more than once).

Yet in today’s world, it’s probably better to stay focused on positives. And the lessons shared herein add to a noteworthy positive approach to professional (and personal) life.

Be clear in all interactions. Never assume. (And that includes never attributing motives or inferring blame).

Do what it takes to boost clarity. Pick up the phone. Arrange an in-person meeting. Ask questions. Seek answers.

Learn from mistakes. Learn from every experience.

Commit to the philosophy of resilience. “This will make me stronger.”

Everyone (of every age) has something to teach us—whether it’s fluid mechanics or patience.

Instantaneous communication makes the need for patience seem obsolete, but the need to take the time to listen, respond thoughtfully and learn is greater than ever.

We can’t learn if we don’t think. And thinking, assessing, and reassessing take some time. That may be the lesson that encompasses all the others.

Put the highest priority on learning in the short term (e.g., the cause of a complaint, why a part failed, how a shipment got delayed). And learn from others who have picked themselves up and carried on during all kinds of crises.

But through it all, be kind. Stomping a foot because something has gone wrong is understandable. Venting in the digital sphere so that posterity will have a record (thanks to AI) of the venomous words is foolish.

Try this as added incentive to let kindness be the guide in life. Think of a helpful or memorable lesson learned. Thank the teacher—if not directly, at least by recalling him or her. Then, commit to sharing knowledge when the opportunity arises.