In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book he shares the story we all know so well and highlights the role of the misfit, the underdog and how to take on the giants (whatever your giant is).
I enjoy his books – he is a great thought leader. I find them often repetitive – once you have read a few chapters; you get the premise of his work.
If you enjoy Gladwell it is worth the read. Simply put, we all learn and respond differently to what happens to us.
Goliath got hurt because he underestimated his opponent. Simple.
This resonated with me the most. When deciding to leave my corporate role in Australia to become a professional speaker EVERY person I spoke with said ‘you will need voice coaching’, ‘you will never get paid with that voice’, ‘you are too cute and your high pitched voice will turn off audiences’. I recall even the head of the National Speakers Association hosted me for coffee to ‘coach’ me on how I totally needed to change myself to make any money in the speaking business. Initially I listened to people’s good intentions… but the worst thing you can do is underestimate me – it drives me crazy (and that’s not something you want to see).
People will underestimate you – prove them wrong. It became a fire in me and continues today. When I became a new speaker only one person told me to stick with my voice because it was ‘authentic to me’ – I listened to him, and he became my mentor, later a business partner and one of my dearest friends and advocates today. Don’t’ listen to the people who underestimate you – prove them wrong. Choose your own path because everyone has an opinion. Listen to those you trust and then do what’s right for you.
Hustle daily – do the work. David beat Goliath because he was confident in his skills. He did the work. He was a master slinger. This took extraordinary skill and practice. He didn’t wake up one morning able to kill someone with stone; he developed that skill. When people tell me I am so ‘lucky’ to have a successful practice, smiling I say ‘its hustling every day’. I wasn’t always like that. I had hoped the phone would ring, people would just book me, but it doesn’t work that way. Regardless if you are in a corporate career, running your own practice or managing a business – you have to do the work.
How do you encourage people in your organization to be tenacious, take risks and keep motivated when they hear no? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and if you read the book, what did you think, share your ideas with us here on our blog.
PS. If you want more ideas on how to increase your productivity – check out other blogs here and several eBooks you can share with your team.
