I've had visions of that town burned into my brain from an early age. I grew up in a family where my parents were big fans of the Rat Pack. Many might think they were the founders of Las Vegas, I know I did. While Vegas had been around for quite a while, it started taking the shape of the town we know today in the early 1930's. That timing ties to the start of Hoover Dam construction. Local business owners, Mormon financiers, and Mafia crime lords helped develop the casinos and showgirl theaters to entertain the largely male dam construction workers. By nearly 1950 gambling was no longer the only attraction; the biggest stars of films and music, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Carol Channing and Elvis Presley were regular performers. The mid-1950s was the beginning of the modernization of Las Vegas. The 1970's were the years of explosive growth in the community as well as the Vegas Strip. The 1990's were the birth of the mega resort - the blueprint for what we see today. People have no need to wander the streets of Vegas from one location to another, they built these monster resorts that ensured you never had to leave. The new Vegas luxury attracted tourists in droves, leading to additional financing and rapid growth. The shows became more elaborate and fabulous. The reputation was less showgirl and more professional performance with the introduction of "O" and house theaters dedicated to specific ‘A' list performers.
Even with the current economic struggles, the town had more than 80,000 guests the weekend I was there. There were many traditions that seemed to hold true; weddings, bachelor parties, and lots of alcohol and gambling. But, somewhere between the glitz and glamour of all the flashing lights I realized that many career lessons can be learned in Vegas.
The Lessons
Your true character is displayed by what you say when you don't know someone is listening. Talking disrespectful about anyone is, well, awful. Talking in detail, and in public, about the weaknesses or mistakes of your co-workers, or dates, is inappropriate. If you stay positive, treat others with respect, and worry only about your own weaknesses or mistakes, you are demonstrating the actions of a leader. The best leaders do this all the time, even when they have no idea someone is watching (or listening) to them.
Office romances, many people will think you are only doing it to get ahead. Dating a superior might be exciting and make you feel like you are getting away with something. Don't confuse your passion for your superior with your desire to learn insider information, to get promoted, and better pay raises. No one believes that a 60 year old high roller and his 25 year old date are a love match. If so, the Anna Nicole Smith trial would have been reconciled years ago.
Always push the envelope. Be creative as long as it is within boundaries of the law. It never hurts to ask a question, push on the status quo, or think outside the box. You'll be surprised what comes back to you. Like, did you know it is legal to carry open liquor on the sidewalks of the strip? Sometimes, you just have to ask!
What you wear does matter. As long as you realize that it is a choice. In a corporate setting, clean and pressed is expected. It is required for entry. But, when it comes to styles, colors and accessories it can be confusing. It can also be aggravating. You want to wear the latest trend or you want to express your individuality. Some of the latest trends will just not look good on your body type or may not be age appropriate. Expressing your individuality might not align with the conservative nature of your office. As long as you understand that what you wear does impact your career success and it is your choice on whether you comply or not, it really is your own decision. But remember one thing...In most corporate settings, you must be able to sit down and today's stylish skirts are made only for standing.
What you do speaks louder than what you say. The energy or vibe you give off when you are doing what you like can be felt by those around you. Similarly, the negative energy you give off when you are doing something you don't like can be felt by those around you. That doesn't mean you cannot be excellent at what you are doing. Just realize that you are not fooling anyone. ‘How you do' things is more important than ‘what you do' and what you do is more important than ‘what you say'. You can be an excellent waitress. You can make sure everyone around is pleased. But if you never smile, engage in conversation, we know you really care less about our luxury dining experience.
Be early. Sometimes just being on time isn't good enough. Being on time is obviously much better than being late. But, when given a choice be early. That brings simple pleasures like better parking spaces and freshly made coffee. It might also mean better seats at a general seating variety show. But most importantly, being early will reduce your stress and anxiety over traffic or other unexpected delays. The impression you give others by early arrival is that you are eager, well prepared and in control.
Transformation / reinvention can revitalize your earning power. When you look at Las Vegas history, you can envision the changes between the 1930's and today. Each time the city thought it had reached its pinnacle, a new opportunity was created and the city reached new heights. It is important that you are always looking to better yourself, take yourself to the next level, which will create new opportunities.
Career and leadership lessons can be learned anywhere, if you are paying attention. What lessons have you learned lately?
I've had visions of that town burned into my brain from an early age. I grew up in a family where my parents were big fans of the Rat Pack. Many might think they were the founders of Las Vegas, I know I did. While Vegas had been around for quite a while, it started taking the shape of the town we know today in the early 1930's. That timing ties to the start of Hoover Dam construction. Local business owners, Mormon financiers, and Mafia crime lords helped develop the casinos and showgirl theaters to entertain the largely male dam construction workers. By nearly 1950 gambling was no longer the only attraction; the biggest stars of films and music, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Carol Channing and Elvis Presley were regular performers. The mid-1950s was the beginning of the modernization of Las Vegas. The 1970's were the years of explosive growth in the community as well as the Vegas Strip. The 1990's were the birth of the mega resort - the blueprint for what we see today. People have no need to wander the streets of Vegas from one location to another, they built these monster resorts that ensured you never had to leave. The new Vegas luxury attracted tourists in droves, leading to additional financing and rapid growth. The shows became more elaborate and fabulous. The reputation was less showgirl and more professional performance with the introduction of "O" and house theaters dedicated to specific ‘A' list performers.