5 Tips for Becoming a Successful Manager From Silicon Valley’s Longest Serving CEO

Looking to sharpen up your management skills? Take a few pages out of the lengthy playbook of Ray Zinn, who served as CEO of chip maker Micrel and is credited with being the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley. Zinn’s top tip is also the title of his new book, ‘Tough Things First,’ a how-to guide on leadership. This tip is aimed at procrastinators, a habit difficult to break. 'Every day, I focus on the things that are most difficult and the ones I don't want to do,’ he said. ‘And I do them first. The rest of the day goes really smooth.’ Next, Zinn stresses the importance passion in business. 'If you love what you do, you don't work a day in your life,’ added. But it’s not just about feeling excited on Monday mornings, a time many in the workforce dread. He says passion translates into more productivity, as enthusiasm becomes contagious. ‘[Employees] will want to get involved, since you’re passionate about what you do,’ he added. Watch the video to get the rest of his tips.