Shades of Success, Inc.

A Tribute to Runners-Up

In the competitive society we live in, the term 'runner-up' elicits conflicting meanings.  Some interpret it as 'second best' or 'not good enough.' Others see it as validation of having potential with the hope of a future opportunity to be a winner. Regardless of how you feel about being a runner-up, one thing is certain:  someone else won; you did not.

I should know. I recently was a runner-up in a national contest.  Don't get me wrong. I was ecstatic to be recognized.  But I have to admit that at the time being Number Two had a bittersweet taste to it. I am past that now and on to my next adventure.

There is hope, though.  Anyone who has ever been in second best position can live vicariously through American Idol runner-up Jennifer Hudson. All of us who almost landed a great job or almost were promoted can rejoice in Jennifer's rise to fame and fortune. She has received close of 15 awards including a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild award and has been nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in the movie Dreamgirls.

As your plans for career and business success take shape this year, consider Jennifer's story as an inspiration to go forward with your goals.  You may not always be 'the winner' but as they say, when a door closes, a window opens.  And, who knows, the window may end up being much bigger than the door.

Career and Business Lessons from the Rubik's Cube

Remember the Rubik's cube? If you do, you know it was this addictive puzzle that caught our attention in the late 70's.  I could not put it down and spent hours trying to figure it out. My answer came in the form of Gabbie Naranjo.  Gabbie was a classmate.  She, along with all of her five siblings, knew how to solve the magic cube.  I begged her incessantly to teach me and she obliged.  She and I were the only nerds in 10th grade that knew the code. Those were the days.

If you are too young to remember the Rubik's Cube, do not despair.  It is back!  On January 13, Dan Dzoan solved the Rubik's Cube in 17.9 seconds...one handed. He set a new world record. (To see a short video clip with clues to solve the Cube, click here. There is a 30 second commercial before the clip).

So, what career and business lessons can we learn from the Rubik's Cube?

• Learn to address problems in a systematic way.  Fear, anger and stress do not help accomplish goals. As difficult as a goal or project may seem, there is always a way to approach it.  Break it down into smaller steps and you will get closer to the goal. 
• Find out who knows the answer and ask for help.  You may realize that the challenges in front of you are not as difficult once there is someone in your corner.  Going to someone who has figured out your dilemna or can get help you address it more effectively will save you time and energy.  These can then be redirected to other goals.
• Most likely, there are others who may be going through the same experience.  Find them. Sometimes they are already organized as in the case of affinity or support groups or professional organizations.
• Once you have learned to solve your 'puzzle,' share that knowledge with others....unless, of course, you are aiming to become a world champion!

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

For the past twenty-something years, I have spent every January 15th singing, humming or dancing to the tune of Stevie Wonder's  'Happy Birthday.'

It was a cold January evening about 20 years ago, when I saw Steve Wonder in concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  He performed 'Happy Birthday' as his last song and asked the audience to honor the legacy of Dr. King by continuing to sing as we exited the hall. 

As the crowd walked slowly through the hallways towards the main exit, you could hear them sing in unison: 'Haappyyy birthdaaay, happy birthday, happy birthday.' I could barely sing. I merely watched as others were transformed by the power of a song.  Some shed a few tears and others embraced while singing. New Yorkers and tourists alike gathered to see a show and emerged as brothers and sisters bonded by the memory of Dr. King.

Happy birthday to you, Dr. King!

First Timers, Trail Blazers and Role Models

What do Deval Patrick and Nancy Pelosi have in common?  They are both trail blazers.  On January 4, Deval Patrick became the first African-American to be elected Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  He is the second African-American in the United States to be elected to this office. On the same day, Nancy Pelosi became the first woman Speaker of United States House of Representatives. As Speaker, she is third in line of succession to the presidency.

These accomplishments have catapulted Pelosi and Patrick to the international limelight.  Closer to home, they have been elevated to role model status by many who relate to either or both of them.  Pelosi raised five children and was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child was college bound.  Patrick grew up in one of Chicago's toughest neighbordhoods. 

As we witness these unprecedented events in the history of the United States, let's reflect on the lessons we can draw from them:

• Who are the role models in your life? Why?
• How are you blazing trails in your family, in your community, in the workplace? Are you the first to graduate from college? Have a "professional job?" Leave your hometown for better opportunities?
• What are the rewards and challenges of being the 'first' to accomplish a milestone?