Be Like a Cockroach. Refuse to Die!
In her book, Ballsy: 99 Ways to Grow a Bigger Pair and Score Extreme Business Success, Karen Salmansohn’s tip number three is as follows…
“You must keep this image of a cockroach in mind whenever you are out there selling your widgets to the world. No matter how many times you get sprayed with doubt, insults, sneaky competitors, slurs, sudden changes in the marketplace… after each and every seemingly lethal spray of negativity, you must quickly wife off your antennae, find your bearings and keep going for all those goodies! Indeed, you must use each spray as a spirit strengthener to build up a stronger tolerance for dealing with future sprays of negativity… and thrive against all odds… In summary, be like a cockroach. Refuse to die.”
What role does persistence play in management?
Joe Kerr: Now you’re finally speaking my language – and Winston Churchill’s too. He’s the one who said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Of course you need to pick your battles wisely. I certainly don’t advise pissing into the wind. I’ve been around for a while, so I know what’s worth fighting for and what’s not. Last year I fought like hell to retain my parking spot in the front of the building. I really gave HR an earful (a pleasant switch). Listen I’ve paid my dues. I’m going to fight for what’s rightfully mine. I suggest you do the same.
Wanda B. Goode: Persistence is an extremely important management trait. In fact, there is a chapter in our book, Lead Well and Prosper, dedicated to it. It often requires a tremendous amount of determination to effect change in an organization. Roadblocks and naysayers abound. It’s easy to blame others and just throw in the towel. After falling down, a good manager looks for things s/he can do differently/better and keeps trying.
For another interesting post on persistence, click here.
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