I just finished reading an article containing some of the smartest advice on advancement in the workforce. Yahoo Finance interviewed Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, whose names you may recognize from ABCâs Shark Tank. For the record, I love that show.
The two highly successful entrepreneurs were asked three questions. Allow me to present the questions and response-summaries to you. Glean on.
How did you become untouchable?
Barbara and Daymondâs responses reflect the importance of having a passion or drive to compel high-quality job-performance. They discuss what drives them to success. Barbara painfully remembers being labeled stupid while in school. She struggled with reading and writing, and consequently performed poorly in academics. She is driven to success by a deep longing to prove her capabilities to herself and the world.
Daymondâs drive is birthed out of inventing a brand, or motto, for himself and living up to it. He says a brand will evolve every few years. His current personal brand is âIâm on a quest,â and he is driven to continuously develop his skills through intentional learning and receiving feedback and instruction from mentors.
What makes an employee untouchable?
Barbara values an employee whose strengths compliment her shortcomings. She concludes, why hire a clone of yourself when you can enhance your team with unique skills? Barbara also values a team player- one who is loyal, promotes the team instead of showing off, and has consistent follow-through. Lastly, Barbara values an employee who is willing to take risks and fail.
Daymond values an employee who knows heâs dispensable. He believes oneâs work ethic increases when there is a realization that losing a job is a possibility. Daymond also values good communication and problem solving skills, as well as a willingness to admit when help or assistance is needed. Daymond concludes with stating he absolutely does not want to keep an employee who is âme, me, meâ instead of proving to be a team player.
How did your failures make you untouchable?
Barbaraâs response is so good, I must quote it. âEvery single great thing that ever happened to me happened on the heels of failure, without exception.â Instead of quitting after failing, she chose to learn more, practice harder, and slightly alter her course. You heard her, she claims failure set her up for success.
Daymond describes his unsuccessful attempts at starting companies. After failing he realized he did not have enough passion or expertise to succeed. He worked a day job for several years and spent at least an hour every evening pursuing and learning his passion, the clothing industry. He realized spending one hour every evening of learning information and skills over three years leads to 900 hours of expertise. He started the company FUBU.
You can read ‘Shark Tank’ Secrets on How to Be Untouchable, which includes a video and video transcript. The article comments also have a wealth of information!
For more information on becoming unstoppable at work, see the Succeed at Work section of CareerConnect.
Daymond receives feedback and instruction from mentors. If you are blind or visually impaired and want to be a career mentor or seek a career mentor, visit the Make Connections section of CareerConnect.
If you are a teacher or professional working with youth who are visually impaired, utilize CareerConnectâs Positive Work Habits lesson plan.