I can take a phrase that’s rarely heard. Flip it. Now it’s a daily word.
Rakim
One thing you realize as a B-Boy is that your style never grows old—it grows up.
This is a good thing. The funky elements that made you fresh back in the day have have never left you. In fact, these styles and mannerism are what differentiate you in the workplace right now. Whether you cock your baseball cap at a 17 degree angle or wear a Kangol Jamaican style, these elements reflect your personal style and need to be incorporated into your corporate identify. It’s not a fashion statement. The BBG Nation sets trends. We don’t follow them. The B-Boy Guide to Business, Finance and Life will spend some time discussing authenticity and its impact on performance as well as workplace satisfaction. The Massive & Crew will always be the masters of our destiny. It’s in our spirit.
Whether you came up in the 80s, 90s, 00s and beyond, game always recognizes game.
Buss it, trend setting transcends time and workspace. It’s all about leadership. If you’ve never been afraid to spin on your head, you shouldn’t be afraid to articulate your views in a brainstorming session, a sales meeting, or an investment committee. Your perspectives matter. Never silence your own voice because it appears to be an outlier in the conversation. That’s when it’s needed most. That’s when you take over the conversation. That’s when you let the rhythm hit ‘em. I’m not talking about clever witticisms. This is work–not a B-School class that’s graded on participation. Value creation should live on your lips. It’s all about creating that spark, so set it off.
It’s not just speaking up. Equally important is listening.
Not just hearing … but listening and following the conversation. Why? Because understanding what’s being said is critical to success (whether in business, finance, or romance). Regardless of the industry, knowing the definitions, acronyms, and key industry terms is crucial. A lot of players (key stakeholders not “playas”) use a lot of jargon. Knowing what is and is not being said is the difference between pushing a Tesla, Bentley, or your mama’s minivan. (Shout out to Tim Ferriss. What up!!!)
Time to shine.
Staying forever fresh isn’t a birthright. You earn it every day. You must add to your legacy every day. This is how legends are forged. Arnold said, “There are no shortcuts. You have to get your reps in daily.” So personalize that, focus on an area you want to master, and get your reps in. I highly recommend including communication. Ideas don’t get implemented, if you can’t express them. So clear your throat and let everyone know what’s on your mind. And never forget … keep it fresh! No headspin required.