For the background of this list – see my original post from 2-10-12.

The #7 Rap Lyric That Shaped My Leadership Style comes from 50 cent from his song “Outta Control” off his 2005 album The Massacre. This is 50’s 2nd appearance on the countdown (I’m sure he’s so excited!). There were actually two versions of this song – as it was re-released as a remix and that version was more popular. I got the lyric off the original version – because that’s how I roll. Here’s the lyric:

“Success is my drug of choice…”

We live in a society and culture fixated on gaining success, yet, most people don’t know the first thing about how to obtain success.  I think we all get our grandparents advice of “Success comes after hard work”, etc. – but no one really wants to believe that.  Being in HR for almost 20 years, people actions have led me to believe most hope to wake up and have success magically appear!

I’m one who thinks that success really isn’t that hard to obtain, but it takes two important things: Talent and Persistence.  Here’s why.  Success doesn’t happen to those you are untalented, they might get “lucky” in the short-term, but in the long-term their lack of talent will eventually show up.  Also, sometimes being talented just isn’t enough – you need to be in the right place at the right time, for your talents to be shown and recognized.  That is why persistence is a key to success.  You might have the talent and never be successful, because you weren’t persistent enough to allow your talent to become a success.

Success is my drug of choice, because I think it’s the single most factor in sustaining engagement.  Most one wants to work or play for a loser – long term.  As leaders it’s our job to help direct and create small successes for our teams.  Those small successes will lead to sustained long term successes – which leads to a very engaged team.  Easier said than done – but I do believe all leaders have the ability to create these small successes and highlight them to the organization.