Learning From Will Smith

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.

If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

– Warren Buffet

The above words from Warren Buffet occurred to me after watching the now infamous scene from last week’s Oscars.

I think we can all agree that Will Smith decided to do something pretty shocking to Chris Rock at an event that was watched by millions around the world.

There are many angles you can take on this event but one angle struck me in particular.

I saw myself in him. Not because I’d hit someone like that, which is just wrong.

But because I have done things and said things I regret. The big difference is that the whole world isn’t watching Shane Cradock – thankfully 🙂

Yes, Will Smith’s actions show an ego, a sense of entitlement to do whatever he likes and I think it also shows a level of anxiety within him.

But let he who has not sinned, cast the first stone…. 🙂

Success in any field brings with it hidden traps, and one of those is losing touch with reality, and a having a grounded sense of what’s right and wrong.

This is why one of the things I value the most, and encourage my clients to as well, is to associate with people who tell you honestly what they think, who stretch you, and to pro-actively cultivate an environment where they feel safe to do so.

It’s also a reminder to me, to do the most important work:

Work on self.

Food for thought. Have a great week.

Best,

Shane

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