I’m going to be honest with you all. I am absolutely obsessed with the Broadway play, Hamilton. But I’m not alone. As much of the country can agree, this play is revolutionary. The ideations expressed throughout Hamilton transcend generations, race, gender, social class, etc.
Don’t worry, the many hours I’ve spent listening to this amazing soundtrack, has not only left me with the ability to tell you everything about Hamilton’s life (useful for trivia nights), but I’ve also learned 5 highly applicable career lessons.
1. Believe in yourself, even if no one else does.
Play: Unlike many of the other founding fathers, Hamilton was not born into high-class power positions.Yet he still managed to become one of the most influential people in American history. He earned it.
Takeaway: If Hamilton can rise up through the ranks on merit alone, then you can, at the very least, believe in yourself. Believe in your pitch, your reasons for a promotion, and your ideas. Even if others don’t.
2. Hamilton didn’t accept “no,” and neither should you.
Play: Throughout the play, Hamilton tries time and again to become a commanding officer in the military, but is continually met with rejection. The future first president of the United States flat-out rejected him, but even that didn’t stop Hamilton from pursuing his passion. Eventually, he led a troop into the battle at Yorktown and was VICTORIOUS.
Takeaway: Maybe your manager/client has rejected your brilliant idea, but if you truly believe in it then don’t accept rejection, at least not yet. Do more research, back up your ideas with objective reasoning, and pitch it again. Don’t give up on your ideas, make them stronger.
3. Think, create, and make your voice heard, no matter what.
^ Yeah, Hammy isn’t going to listen to that advice, Burr.
Play: Hamilton is a talker. He’s not afraid to speak his mind. And to be honest, he’s usually right.
Takeaway: Take a note from Hamilton and be confident in your work. Speak up when you have a question or an idea. Regardless of your job title, make your voice heard.
4. Your reputation matters.
Play: While Hamilton didn’t lack confidence, he did lack politeness.
Takeaway: You should speak your mind and make your voice heard in your organization, but you should also be respectful and open-minded to other’s ideas. As Hamilton would say, “you have no control […] who tells your story,” so don’t give them anything bad to say.
Sit back, put on some headphones, take a listen, and learn a lot.
