Theory #11

This theory is all about how one of the few things you can truly control – namely that of a work ethic – can get you very far in business. Here are some thoughts on the subject from a few iconic figures who are believers in our theory:

Jay-Z: All you need to do is channel his great song “Can’t Knock the Hustle.”

Will Smith: Will’s early realization: “I’ve viewed myself as slightly above average in talent. And where I excel is [a] ridiculous, sickening work ethic.”

Kevin Durant: Is someone who realizes that talent only gets you so far, given his 2012 tweeted quote “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

Mel Brooks: In his classic movie Blazing Saddles, although uttered in a totally different context, Mel’s line as the crazy governor who said, “Work, work, work.”

Tiger Woods: Who when referring to himself – when he was just a baby cub – said, “When I grew up, I was never the most talented. I was never the biggest. I was never the fastest. I certainly was never the strongest. The only thing I had was my work ethic, and that’s been what has gotten me this far.”

Cardi B: Who said, “This is my work ethic: I do not want to raise my future kids where I was raised, and I know the only way to do it is working, working, working, working, working.”

“Honest” Abraham Lincoln: Who profoundly said, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”

And from the “Queen of Disco,” namely Donna Summer: Who belted out the lyrics “She works hard for the money” in a song of the same name.

Before we close, please indulge as we have one last word on the subject of work ethic. It’s our firm belief that when it comes to the employer-employee relationship, generally speaking an employee with a strong work ethic will in the vast majority of circumstances be given the benefit of the doubt over an employee whose mantra may appear at times to be that of “why do today that which I can do tomorrow.”