The Religion Corner: Twelve Things That Make Men Rich (Part 4)

Most of us are incapable of “going it alone.” Whether it’s in our careers, in our personal relationships, or in life, we all need others if we are to achieve the level of success we desire.

Besides, what’s the point of having it all if we have no one we care about to share it? You may choose to work with others, you may ignore them, or you may choose to work against them, but the greatest successes in life come to those who work harmoniously with others.

When your personal goals coincide with those of another, not only does the power of your combined labor benefit you, but such cooperation also creates a synergistic effect that allows you to achieve far more than the simple sum of your individual efforts. Know that friendship freely given and gratefully received is one of life’s greatest gifts.

This third principle on the list of 12 Things That Make Men Rich, discovered by Napoleon Hill is the subject of this week’s column.

Hill studied men all across America for 20 years, close up and in person. Over and over again, he discovered the same formula used by each and every person interviewed.

This column is a reminder that we cannot achieve very much without the help of others. Yet so often, we set out to achieve our goals, and we ask others to join us; but we forget one important ingredient that those joining you need – What’s in this for me?

Usually, it’s “All about you!” But for others to help you in a manner that will really help you to get to your goal more quickly and successfully depends on who you ask. Their success of the job they will do for you depend on what each person needs when you ask them to join you. In other words, they’re thinking “What’s in it for me!”

Here is what scripture says about working in harmony: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Come up with creative ways to make helpers feel good about working with you, offer awards, visibility, or appreciation, something to recognize them, especially if you don’t have money to pay. As they help you, they also help themselves!

Once you realize that special thing this person would want and need; do whatever it takes to help him or her succeed in this new endeavor of yours. Offer this opportunity to them as an incentive. When they succeed, you succeed. That’s how it’s done!

Let’s take an example of when my company decided to come up with an outstanding Black History Month Luncheon; because of reading Napoleon Hill’s book, I came up with a dynamic committee to help me pull off my special event, which was the unveiling of a bronze bust of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.

My committee consisted of about 10-12 people, with several co-chairs, each of whom was responsible for a special area. They took ownership of their area, they were excited about it and they worked hard to make it work.

Was my strategy a success, yes! My knowledge of Hill’s research guided my footsteps, all of my committee was 100 percent committed and I had built in recognition for each of them. It wasn’t all about me! Together, we created a bond between us for life!

Select people to work for and with you, look only for those you’re certain will work in perfect harmony. Any discord will cause problems. No matter how much you think of someone, consider the lifelong experiences you’ve had with them, and if you come up with a problem area, do not invite them to help you. It won’t work!

Lyndia Grant is a radio talk show host on WYCB-AM, 1340, Think on These Things, Fridays at 6 p.m. Contact her by calling 202-518-3192, going to http://www.lyndiagrant.com, or emailing lyndiagrant@gmail.com.