“Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.” – Elvis Presley
Today is the King’s birthday, and whilst he might not look quite as flash in the sequinned white jumpsuit if he were still alive as he once may have done, there is no denying that he would still possess that essential tool which we all wish we possessed.
Charisma.
It made him one of the most influential figures of 20th century popular culture. His music, his movements, his style – they all came back to his ability to charm, to influence, to make people believe they were the one and only person he cared for.
And whether you are aware of it or not, in every organisation, there is the equivalent of that swivel hipped silver tongued mover and shaker – that one individual who is able to make things happen through the power of their personality.
Who is the Elvis in your building?
They know everything and everyone. If something needs to happen, they are the one that gets it happening – and often with very little effort (or so it seems) by themselves. They know who to go to in any situation.
Your challenge is to find that person and not only work out how they do what they do, but harness their energy and make it work for you. You may never personally have their Jailhouse Rock – but can you step into their Blue Suede Shoes and think like them? Yes! Ask them for help. Don’t be afraid to express your desire to understand the company culture, to know who the movers and hip-shakers are, to get a big picture view of who is who in the zoo.
Just because he was the King, it didn’t mean that EP wasn’t lonely – and that is often the case with the Elvis in your building. They may be wearing that sparkly stage outfit, but often it means that they are thought so self-sufficient as to not need a backing band. They may be just as grateful for collaboration as you.
Just don’t start in on the deep-fried peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. In other words, this is a professional relationship – make it about what you can offer each other in the workplace – a non-political, transparent and honest exchange of ideas and information.
The original Elvis Aron Presley may have actually left the building – but there are plenty of amazing men and women around to follow in his footsteps.
Why not aspire to be one of them?
Connect. Inspire. Succeed.
