You don’t need to be a parent to feel the change in the air. Every September, the collective thinking becomes, Let’s get down to business!
But does that mindset leave you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Then take a page from the kids and go into learning mode.
The trick is to leave behind everything you disliked, like memorizing boring facts you never use. In its place, make learning personal and relevant.
From a grown-up perspective, Job 1 in any industry is learning the What: Understanding how to get the deliverable, task, or deal done.
However, superstar performers understand the real assignment, and that’s getting the How right. So, in addition to their technical acumen, they juggle soft skills like a ninja.
For instance, they have great timing and know how to collaborate. They’re willing to make mistakes and course correct. Then they find creative ways to bounce back and restart.
Likewise, you can be at the top of the class. By the time we finish the September series, Don’t Miss the Assignment, you’ll be ready to pass the advanced placement class in peopling with flying colors!
Let’s start learning with the best. There’s no better example of someone who got the How right than Dolly Parton.
You don’t have to love country music to love Dolly Parton. Everyone can agree on Dolly.
Her What list is endless. More than 100 million records sold. Eleven Grammy Awards. Three Emmy Awards. And a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
But Dolly also gave a masterclass in ways of working that every businessperson can apply. For example:
* Way #1 – Create Strategic Partnerships: Although Dolly had incredible achievements in her own right, she was always open to collaborating with the right partners. Duets with Miley Cyrus, Pentatonix, and even Mötley Crüe introduced her to new or different audiences. She was famously in awe of Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly joked that she used to go to the bank, but after Whitney’s hit, she was able to buy the bank!
* Way #2 – Get That Bag (and Keep It!): From the beginning, Dolly took The Business of Being Dolly seriously. Her no-nonsense approach was tested when Elvis Presley’s manager casually informed her the day before the session that they’d be taking 50% of the royalties of “I Will Always Love You.” Forever. Dolly thanked Colonel Parker but had the self-confidence to walk away.
* Way #3 – Be Discerning, Not Judgmental: Dolly viewed grudges as time wasters. So, she skipped settling scores and wisely redirected her creative energy. Her decades-long support of women, upcoming musicians, and the LGBTQ community is unmatched.
* Way #4 – Give Back and Give Credit: Dolly believed philanthropy was essential. But when asked about the success of her charity projects like Imagination Library, Dolly immediately and generously credited her staff’s contributions. Their efforts made her big dreams real.
* Way #5 – Embrace Resilience and Reinvention: Dolly’s career had plenty of downs. For instance, the first single from her Dolly Records label peaked at #48. And hopefully you missed the movie Rhinestone. However, when haters, critics, and tabloids tried to get the best of her, she didn’t waste time trying to convince them of her worth. Dolly kept it classy, kept it moving, and allowed her grit and tenacity to speak for her.
The qualities above were table stakes to Dolly. However, they can be challenging to practice in an era where cutting corners and embellishing are the norm.
Somewhere around you, someone is getting their How right. And do you want to hear a secret? Someone may be admiring the many ways you’re getting it right, day in and day out.
That’s why people skills are essential. You might not wind up in a Hall of Fame, but—for better or worse—you will gain notoriety and get graded for how you get things done.
So, if you’re ready to ace the assignment, take a page from Dolly Parton’s playbook. You might wind up being a legend in your own right.