What does it mean to be defined by disadvantage? A disadvantage is not an identity, but it has become a tag in today’s world.
It has become commonplace to describe, or define, some of the most successful businesspeople by a perceived ‘disadvantage’.
How often have you seen a business leader or entrepreneur referred to by what the media sees as a disadvantage? This could be upbringing or background, and it takes over the narrative in place of recognising the talent and years of hard work that got them to the top?
It devalues an individual’s efforts when their success is purely celebrated because they are seen to have overcome disadvantage. As if it is the disadvantage that defines them.
I have experience of this; being congratulated on finding success despite my background and education. It is condescending, undermining, and ignores the decades of graft I have put into my success.
Prejudice is Real
Let me be clear. I am not saying many successful businesspeople have not had to battle against prejudice to succeed. It happens, too frequently, and should be recognised when it does.
But while we recognise that strength, should the disadvantage define the individual and their journey to success? Should it overshadow the individual’s skills, qualities, and determination?
I feel the lazy default position of defining a person by disadvantage is another form of prejudice. Years of hard work and effort are not being appreciated because of it.
Steven Bartlett
While on a working trip to Sorrento, I read, enjoyed and learned a lot from Happy Sexy Millionaire: Unexpected Truths About Fulfilment, Love and Success. I have a lot of respect for the author, entrepreneur, business leader, and global podcast star Steven Bartlett.
Steven was born in Botswana and moved to England aged just two. After school, he attempted to study at Manchester Metropolitan University, but he dropped out after one lecture.
After reaching the institution, Steven saw that he needed something else to chase his goals. That’s why he dropped out.
He developed a business, mastered it, and now it’s a big hit.
Steven had a vision, the strength to go his own way in pursuit of the dream, the skills and work ethic to create his vision, and the determination to make it succeed.
That is how I define the man and how I would define anyone who has experienced a similar journey to success.
Hear Steven’s views on success.
Yet, many still attempt to define by disadvantage; suggesting he succeeded despite his race, birthplace, and lack of university education. That outdated attitude undermines the individual and what they have achieved.
Success is a Destination
No one wants to be disadvantaged. No one wants that label to be used to suggest they are less useful, less valid, or less likely to succeed. Success is a destination I believe anyone with the right mindset, clear vision, and outright determination can reach.
That is what I choose to recognise and celebrate.
Dealing with Being Defined by Disadvantage
While we should recognise and fight the prejudice in society that attempts to hold people back because of race, gender, or economic background, I hope that one day everyone will be celebrated for their achievements and not see their hard work minimised.
But it is happening today. So, what can you do if you are being defined by disadvantage and seeing your strength and skills undermined?
Focus: focus on what you are building. It is more important than your disadvantage.
Be good to people: If you are treated poorly, you don’t have to respond in kind. Be the bigger person and emanate kindness.
Contribute to your community: Help develop your community – where you live, where you come from, your business, your colleagues – and share your vision, ambitions, and kindness.
Retain your self-esteem: Rise above the critics and keep being the person you are. You matter. Your endeavours matter. Stay proud, keep your head up, and never give up.
Roles to Play
We can’t necessarily determine what we will go through to reach our goals. However, we are responsible for ensuring we reach what we are pursuing.
It is not our role to try to tear down or undermine another by minimising their skills and hard work. Criticising another doesn’t make you better.
Having the arrogance to say what a person should or shouldn’t be, or what they should or shouldn’t achieve, because of their background merely displays your insensitivity and prejudice.
Create a Better World
Whether you are a leader in business or not, our role as people should be to create a better world, call out and fight prejudice, and celebrate the individual achievements of all.
How do we do that?
Be appreciative: appreciate everyone for their efforts.
Help others grow: contribute to the growth of people around you however you can.
Don’t be judgemental: it is not your role to judge and criticise others, especially if you have no actual knowledge or appreciation of who they are and what they have done.
Treat everyone equally: treat everyone the same way, and as you would wish to be treated.
Change starts with the individual. Take the stance of always setting examples of love and good relationships for people around you.
