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As a life-long learner, this is one of my favorite questions to ask some of my most influential and interesting clients. I once posed this question to Rob Wiltbank, CEO of Galois Inc., which uses applied mathematics to solve difficult technical problems like cyber deception and driverless cars.

Without hesitation he smiled and replied, "One of the greatest things I have learned is to stay clear of turds." I was a little taken aback at the unexpected response but intrigued to learn more. He went on to explain how early in his career a colleague warned him, "Everybody is trying to put turds in your pocket all the time - you just don't realize it. The key to leadership, life, and sanity is to keep all the turds out of your pocket except the few you are willing to keep." Rob calls this the turd principle.

The Turd Principle
The turd principle is quite simple. Co-workers, peers, even your family members are constantly asking for your help or your input. Oftentimes, these people don't actually need you, yet they still seek your help. Let me demonstrate. One of your employees bursts into your office telling you about their great idea, and they want your direction on how to make it happen. Do you see what just happened?

This employee just put a turd in your pocket. Now you have a dilemma - do you keep the turd in your pocket, or do you hand it right back to them? If you know the employee is perfectly capable of handling this on th