Longevity Does Not Mean Legitimacy

I heard a minister say this over the weekend and I began to apply it to my own life. No matter how long you've been doing something that doesn't mean you an expert. There is always something you can learn. I think of people in corporate American when I hear this quote. Many times, those in management and executive level positions perceive us to be naive either because of age and sadly sometimes because of color. We have to work twice as hard and do twice as well to get the same respect and praise as our older or lighter peers. I've been the youngest and usually only African American for almost every company I've worked for and have experienced this first hand. The funny part is that my experience and skill set is not that of the novice new worker. My pedigree is legit, yet I still get the same treatment as the rookie in every job. In my current position I probably have as much sales experience and management skill as anyone yet again the perception is that I don't.

Well longevity doesn't mean legitimacy. It's a formula that has a multiplier.

Experience + Intelligence X Achievement Drive = The Success Rating

That multiplier Achievement Drive is a variable that is as random as life itself. It's the innate gut determination to be and do better and it makes all the difference in this game called corporate America!