The document discusses alternative definitions of success that were presented to high school students. It argues that success is non-linear and cooperative rather than a solo act, and that you can achieve success without harming others. True success involves flexibility to overcome challenges, cooperation with others who help open doors, and gaining interest through personal connections rather than putting others down.

1. Trade Tips: Success
is a Cooperative Act
Helpful hints for public relations
and marketing professionals.
By Nicole Hayes
I recently spoke with high school students about
alternative definitions of success.

2. It was my hope to impart a different approach/definition of success
contrary to what our world has taught.

3. While success is defined
as "the accomplishment
of an aim or purpose; the
favorable outcome of
something attempted
(I like this one), it is also
defined as "the attainment
of
wealth, position, honors
or the like."

4. • Some of our nation's
corporations have served as
poor examples for the next
generation in terms of
patterns for success.
• "Golden parachutes" and
bailouts were given to CEOs
whose greed sideswept the
livelihoods of front-line workers.

5. Our American-centric
values of competition,
individualism and
separating yourself from
the pack may be what has
contributed to some of the
rogue behaviors we've
witnessed in the last few
years from CEOs.

6. I wanted the students to know that success is not a solo act, but a
cooperative act. None of us arrives at success by our own means.

7. 1 Success is non-linear.
• For the students I spoke
to, their current benchmarks
of success are heavily linear:
read assigned chapters, take
quiz, take test, pass final and
graduate.
• Many of us have similar
processes in our working
lives.

8. 1 Success is non-linear.
• But as we often find out,
details aren't always neatly
outlined, and we may be forced
to take the curvy road — dance
around an illness or rise up
from career failures
• Life often requires that we
become more flexible
• This flexibility tends to invite
more options and opportunity.

9. 2 Success is a cooperative act.
The secret to our success is how well we cooperate with others.

10. 2 Success is a cooperative act.
• It's no secret our country prides
itself on the spirit of competition
and individualism. But someone
had to help open the door for you.
• Whether an
acquaintance, coach, colleague, fa
mily member, friend, manager or
teacher, no one arrives at success'
door simply by our own efforts.

11. 3 You can be successful without trampling others.
• There are ways we can be
different and gain the interest
of people without knocking
someone else down.
• In this day of technology
overkill and forgotten values,
here's how you can authentically
"win" with people:

12. 3 You can be successful without trampling others.
a) While we are in business,
realize you offer something
unique. Follow your specific
blueprint, not someone
else's.
b) Value each educational
and work experience even
if it seems monotonous.
Each skill is transferrable
to your next destination.

13. 3 You can be successful without trampling others.
c) Send a handwritten
note to someone who has
helped you along the way.
Your message will stand
out amongst the less
personal emails.
d) Follow through on your
promises to others. Your
word is your bond and
reputation.

14. 3 You can be successful without trampling others.
e) Apologize and accept responsibility for mistakes and
move forward. People will respect you more for being honest.

15. This presentation was adapted from our Voice Matters Blog.
To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com
McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to
social justice that has prevailed for more than 20 years. From the
beginning, McKinney passionately and skillfully practiced Public Relations
with a Conscience for local, national and international organizations.
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