All That And A Bag of Chips

I don't say it often, in fact, I never say it, but I am all that AND a bag of chips!

It drives me crazy and makes me angry that so many people underestimate me because I don't brag about my accomplishments, or pitch my unique ideas nonstop, or constantly broadcast my skills and abilities.

I don’t obnoxiously state in meetings, “Um, I just said that!” when someone else repeats my ideas and gets accolades for them.

I don’t dispute people who tell me that others who are doing what I’ve done are brilliant.

I don’t shout my resume and achievements from the rooftop or on social media.

Do I feel the sting when people I love or greatly respect underestimate me or dismiss my suggestions, only to welcome them as the greatest thing since sliced bread when they come from someone else? OF COURSE I DO!

Still, I don’t compare. I don’t convince. I don’t defend.

You know why?

Because, to me, people who do that seem desperate, insecure and sometimes even rude. If you have to tell someone you’re smart and talented, you’re not that smart and talented. (Similarly, if you have to tell someone you’re nice, beautiful, saved, grown, then you’re not that nice, beautiful, saved or grown!)

I have had professional colleagues tell me I need to promote myself more. Perhaps people who do that are actually brilliant sales people. Perhaps I am missing huge opportunities because people had no idea… because I never said.

On the off-chance that that’s true, here’s my one time.

I am the goose that lays the golden eggs. You have an “unsolvable” problem? Bring it to me and I’ll find a solution. You need to introduce a new concept? Bring it to me and I’ll come up with a creative campaign that will blow your mind. You need to inspire or reignite a stagnant team or company? Put me at the helm or hire me to do a team-building seminar. Seriously.

Here's the thing, though…

If you have me on your team and you’re not smart, savvy or discerning enough to realize what you’ve got until you lose it…shame on you! That’s your bad, and your loss.

Constantly Thinking…

P.S. Why am I ranting tonight? A friend of mine shared not too long ago that trend-setters rarely achieve fame, fortune and success. That first trailblazer is often looked at as crazy. I agree with him completely. The truly brilliant people are the ones who can spot the trailblazers, support them, and market them.

Nothing is more devastating to a trailblazer than finding out someone you thought was a rare supporter has just ascribed one or more of your ideas to someone else. “Wait. What? You and I just had that conversation…”

When that happens, you kind of want to rant!