January 2003
Prosperity lessons from Ralph Lauren
by Dr. Madeline Behrendt
"Well, I don't want to be a zero. I want to say
something, to do something, to have a voice." -- Ralph Lauren,
Oct.'02 Oprah Magazine
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Ralph Lauren (RL) has created a $10 billion lifestyle
business based on his relationship to integrity and possibility, as well
as his response to challenges. I had the luxury of working with him for
almost a decade as part of his "Men's Design Team." I loved it!
Recently, RL celebrated his 35th anniversary in business, a
significant feat. His recent interviews report on the values that have
attracted and promoted prosperity. For all who love and believe in what
they do, put on your favorite Polo shirt and try considering some of the
best thoughts from these reports:
*** High
standards. Do you think RL became successful because when people told
him he couldn't do something, he accepted their values? No. A great deal
has been written about how he stayed true to his values, and led the
world. Now, people line up to pay for the lifestyles he has created. Think
of this, next time you are pushed and thinking about...
*** Money.
Money isn't the focus. Money (lots of it) is the result of putting focus
in the right places, such as....
*** Relationships.
Relationships are important. Fashion understands that volume and lifetime
partnerships are the result of taking great care of people, helping them
fulfill their potential. All successful businesses are built on
relationships that are protected and attended to. To keep relationships
strong...
*** Be
invitational. We all know the difference in being around someone who
acts like he knows everything (and winds up boring or annoying people) and
a wise creative leader who wants to listen, and embraces the stimulation
of discussion. If you are squirming, you may want to reconsider your style
of leadership, and...
*** Rhythm.
The fashion design industry works on several seasons at once -- one in
research, design, and development. This is still ingrained in me. I find I
work best when working on three creative chiropractic projects at one
time. It allows me to focus intently, then become refreshed as I switch
focus, and they all wind up informing each other. When I work on just one
at a time, I get mentally fatigued because I don't get the break my mind
needs to create. This doesn't count if you never finish your projects or
start another one to avoid the first. No cheating!
Learn how you work best, it may take time and trial and
error, but it's sweet when you find your rhythm, then you can really...
*** Challenge
yourself. Why do billionaires work, hard? They became rich because
they are innately driven to produce, and they have strong work ethics,
which leads to...
*** Time.
Do you think RL has some special day that has more hours in it than we
have? Think again and let time work for you. Use it to learn discipline,
efficiency and focus. As we can design our schedules, learn your rhythm
and schedule accordingly. I designed my life so that every day is
different, and I...
*** Don't work
alone. Expand your accomplishments by collaborating with the best
talent and consciousness in the business, including emerging young talent.
When you don't work alone, you can focus more and...
*** Do what
you love. Many departments make up a fashion company, each with their
own type of intelligence essential to the company's culture. You would
never stick the design studio in the production department or the sales
force in the library. Everyone would go nuts and underachieve.
The most prominently recognized chiropractic intelligence is
that of developing big practices or moving on to speaking and/or coaching.
Yet, there's also a growing creative community, and wanting to say
something, to do something, to have a voice. We need to bridge the gap
that's limiting the aspects in chiropractic that are developed, and
encourage success for our culture by freeing all our talent to do what
they love. And finally...
-- Prepare, practice, perform, refine, and promote a
sense of true gratitude. It works.
I look forward to seeing everyone soon at Parker in Vegas. Be
sure to say hi!
(Dr. Madeline Behrendt is chair of the WCA Council on Women's
Health and associate editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation (JVSR).
An author and speaker, she is committed to connecting women to
chiropractic and chiropractors to women, and may be contacted at
drmadeline@drmadelinedc.com)
