20 years ago, the chairman of my surgery training program taught me a simple 3 step plan for success as a surgeon. I've seen surgeons that probably should be let go from their positions instead kept on because they follow this plan. The 3 step plan for success is Availability, Affability, and Ability. Not only are those the 3 A's needed for success, but they also need to be emphasized in that order. That’s the important part. Step 1: Availability. You can be the world most able surgeon, programmer, professor, or manager, but if you aren't available when called upon, nothing else matters. Step 2: Affability. If you are a jerk, eventually your disposition will outshine your ability irrespective of your mastery. No one wants to work with someone who makes them feel bad. I failed at this for a long time. Step 3: Ability. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time. In any profession, a person can hide behind a pleasant disposition but results matter. Follow the 3 A's for success in that order. Availability, Affability, Ability. I've seen surgeons who weren't good fits with their team and even those who have questionable ability and have lost the confidence of OR staff. But because they are nice (affable), they are hard to let go and they last longer than they should. Conversely, I've seen surgeons who are very talented technically, but who are jerks to those around them, and they get a target on their back. This isn't a call to be nice and not worry about practicing your craft, but just a reminder about the power of affability. These lessons hold true for anyone in any profession: Answer the call. Be nice. Constantly train in your craft.