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donald mcmichael

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Warning: This will get you and your boss’ head nodding

December 10, 2011 by Donald McMichael

“Who are these guys? They’re my theme music. Every hero’s got to have some.” – Jack Spade, ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka’

This has to be one of my favorite quotes from a movie. I’m pretty certain no one is going to call me a hero. But, I do have a theme… check that a soundtrack.
In fact, I believe that we all put together soundtracks that are reflective of our lives. Here’s the core of mine:
  • ‘Strictly Business’ – EPMD
  • ‘Let Me Clear My Throat’ – DJ Kool
  • ‘It’s Your Thing’ – Isley Brothers
  • ‘Thank You’ – Sly & the Family Stone
  • ‘Me and Baby Brother’ – WAR
  • ‘Vivant Thing’ – Q-tip
  • ‘The Big Payback’ – James Brown
What I find most interesting is not that it is composed of music from various periods, but that it truly does reflect to a large extent how I operate as a person. While I’m not sure which came first the music or the characteristic what does hold is my behavior versus how I interpret the songs.
Here is how I correlate my playlist with my business behavior.
  • ‘Strictly Business’: Don’t think twice about putting forward unconventional solutions because its okay to come at problems form different angles, attitudes, or emphasis as long as you remain focused on what it is that you’re looking to accomplish.
  • ‘Let Me Clear My Throat’: Speak-up, share your insights and experiences they are valuable. Ask others for feedback and you will enhance your performance.
  • ‘It’s Your Thing’ and ‘Thank You’: Unapologetically do what you excel at but be conscious and respectful of others opinions and abilities. And, when you team with them  to do good things be sure to publicly recognize their contributions.
  • ‘Me and Baby Brother’: No matter how good or bad past times were all we can do is reminisce about them; and that’s fine. But be present in the here and now. All we are promised is today with a hope to be present for the future. Thus, don’t only work at bringing the core of what was good into this time strive to make it better.
  • ‘Vivant Thing’: Don’t overlook the details for that’s what makes things special, especially when you weave it into the larger picture. Focus on the right details.
  • ‘The Big Payback’: For me this isn’t about getting even but about re-investing in the things that allowed me to achieve – people, education, and having the doors to opportunity cracked. Pillars that are ingrained into my DNA.
What’s your soundtrack?

P.S. How could you not like a caped crusader? Be sure to follow me on Google+ at +Donald McMichael

Filed Under: blog, Business Management Tagged With: business insights, Business Strategy, critical thinking

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Insights for entrepreneurial leaders that help them answer two fundamental questions "Where should we play?" and "How do we win?".

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