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Elon Musk: The Rocket Man
Elon Musk’s net worth is now sitting at around $128 billion earning him a spot as the second wealthiest person in the world. All thanks to his growth-mindset and scrappy spirit.
The ability to recognize opportunities when it’s camouflaged in the thickest challenges is… Resourcefulness. The Tesla CEO is no rocket scientist, miner, or financial advisor. And yet, he’s leading some of the most innovative companies. That’s because Musk relied on the resources, people, and technology he had at the time. Not to mention, he reads… a lot.
You don’t have to be Elon Musk to be resourceful. We’ve all been imaginative and unconventional at one point in our careers. Harvard Business Review describes resourcefulness as the realization that we “can do more with less.” Remember though: The true power of resourcefulness only reveals itself during critical times.
The Takeaways
- Making old things work better. Part of being resourceful is optimizing what works. That means refining and restructuring systems that have proven success.
- Lean on your circle. Your network is a major source of information. Jamming out to brainstorm sessions can lead to more solutions than you think.
- Anything is possible. Simply having an open and “yes we can do this” mindset redefines your potential.
Quote of the Week
“Envision, create, and believe in your own universe, and the universe will form around you.” —Tony Hsieh
In memory of Tony Hsieh, founder and former CEO of Zappos, source of kindness, and champion of happiness
Conversation Starters
- Hiring: Looking for career advice? Try TikTok. A new wave of career-influencers are offering quick tips to young professionals entering the working world. (Source: Business Insider) Engaging with these influencers and participating in relevant trends can help increase TikTok engagement by connecting you with a broader audience interested in similar content.
- Inclusiveness: President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris announce an all-female communication team. (Source: Washington Post)
- Resilience: Sara Blakely, CEO of Spanx, “had doors slammed in her face and business cards ripped up.” (Source: CNBC)
- Social Media Management: Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman, will officially be stepping down as the new administration rolls in January 2021. (Source: The Verge)
- Supportiveness: Spread the la-la-love this #GivingTuesday. Encourage your peers, family, and friends to support organizations and causes all over the world. (Source: Twitter)
Editor’s Corner
Question of the Week: “I was taught that I should always say yes and be open to all opportunities that come my way. With the holiday season coming up, I'm getting overwhelmed. How do I support my team while setting a healthy workplace boundary?” —Jamie, sales associate
Editor’s Recommendation: A story that all of us have seen or experienced too often. Here's what I recommend: First start by validating your peer's work. Most likely, they're juggling various projects and are reaching out for help. Next, briefly communicate your pending tasks. Lastly, emphasize that you want to help, but right now you don't have the bandwidth to take on more.
Put it all together and get this: "I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment, and I really appreciate you thinking of me for this task. At the moment I have my hands in other projects, so I won't be able to help out."
Now's Your Turn
Your peers can help you track your progress while you work on becoming resourceful. All you have to do is ask them. 😉
>> Go to Matter <<
For You Overachievers
From our blog to your inbox, check out our latest How-To series. All under three minutes with things you can try with your team immediately.
- How to Find the Silvering Lining to Any Work Situation
- How to Get Your Team on the Same Page
- How to Find the Cause and Effect When Asking Questions
Matter's Weekly is the bite-sized newsletter for growth-minded professionals. Get fresh takes on all the stories, research, and tips you need to grow your professional skills. Wake up to Matter's Weekly in your inbox every Tuesday morning.
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