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Partnering for Success
The
course of our life, the things we achieve, the happiness we
feel, are all in some way effected by the people around us. This column includes tips on how to be more
successful and enjoy
life even in the tough times by forging winning
partnerships—partnerships that help you and those around you
prosper.
A
Column by Philippa Courtney
March 2002
Shine the Spotlight on Others
Have you ever watched an award show like the Oscars and imagined
that it was you standing up there and giving the acceptance speech?
When I was growing up I used to watch the stars standing up in front
of so many people and I thought how wonderful it would be to receive
that kind of recognition and adoration. Then at night I would lay in
my bed and try and compose my acceptance speech.
I confess that the ham in me has never been cured. I still fantasize
about winning some award. I still think about what I would say in my
acceptance speech, but now I realize that saying thank you is
not an easy task. How do you thank all the people who helped you get
where you are? At award ceremonies people want you to be quick and
entertaining. They don't want to be bored to death listening to a
litany of unknown names.
If you had to write an acceptance speech for the
people who have significantly helped you get where you are today,
what would you say? Interesting thought, isn't it? Even more
interesting to consider is what would the people in your life say
about you if they were giving their acceptance speech?
On this stage we call life, there are those who
want the spotlight to themselves and there are those who help others
find the light.
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| That's how Oprah Winfrey described Quincy Jones
when she introduced him at the Kennedy Lifetime Achievement
Awards. She said that Quincy illuminates the way for the people
he works with and that he creates no shadow. He lets people
have their turn to shine. I suspect that Quincy Jones
appreciates being recognized for his positive influence on
others much more than being recognized for his talents. I've
never had the pleasure to meet the man, but I've heard enough
people echo Oprah's words so I believe that Quincy is a man who
knows the meaning of true partnership. |
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A true partner
is someone
who shines
the spotlight
on others—and in doing so gains greater success for him/ or
herself. |
Years ago I had a boss who was the opposite of
Quincy Jones. For years my boss took credit for every idea I
shared and every way I helped the company and I stayed hidden
in his shadow. It was only after he moved onto another job that
the people where I worked saw my contribution. Buoyed by this
recognition I felt an even greater need to contribute to that
company's success.
This is not an unusual story. We all know people who create
darkness instead of casting light. We can't change who they are
but we can set an example by being who they could become.
Look around you at work and in your personal life and ask
yourself, if these people were giving an acceptance speech,
would they mention me? What do you want them to say about you?
We respect Quincy Jones's musical abilities even more when we
hear how he helps others achieve musical greatness. The same is
true when your boss praises a coworker for a great job and your
coworker mentions how much you helped them achieve those
results. This kind of cooperation and collaboration is the
hallmark of what partnering for success is all about and your
reward is reflected in how your coworkers and your boss now see
you.
Help people reach higher and help them believe that they can do
more and be more than they ever imagined—and the light will always fall on you.
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