4 Career Lessons from Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pioneer for civil rights and a leader in activism. While his life was cut short, he is still viewed as one of the most influential players in U.S. history.
You may not realize it, but there’s a lot to learn from Martin Luther King, Jr. as it relates to your career. Even though he faced tons of challenges and had to walk through the lines of fire, Martin Luther King, Jr. can still provide you with some key career insights.
If you want to advance yourself professionally, there’s no one better to look up to than King. So, what are some career lessons you can learn from him? Check them out below:
Go after a cause you’re passionate about
It’s important to seek opportunities and work in industries you’re passionate about. King was passionate about the advancement of civil rights, namely equality. This was the catalyst he needed to stand out from his peers and create change. If he hadn’t been as passionate about the advancement of civil rights, the course of history may have had a different outcome.
What MLK can teach you about your career: When you’re passionate about something, you come up with new and innovate ways to achieve your goals. For example, King was famous for conducting non-violent activism, a stance he felt would create real change in America’s social structure.
Formulate a plan
Having a solid plan in place is vital for professional success. King was part of the team that planned the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a movement that was based on changing racial segregation on transit systems. Through his efforts, the campaign lasted 385 days and led to a Supreme Court ruling decision declaring the Alabama and Montgomery laws requiring segregated buses to be unconstitutional.
What MLK can teach you about your career: When you formulate a plan, you create a benchmark for success. For instance, if you want to land a job in 30 days, steps may include revamping your resume, gaining alumni connections, and honing your personal brand.
Ignore the critics
There are always going to be critics, no matter how great you are. King faced this throughout his life, especially during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His house was bombed, and he was even arrested and thrown in jail. This didn’t stop him, though. King continued to pave the way for equal rights, ignoring his critics and creating new movements, such as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
What MLK can teach you about your career: The job search is going to be tough. You’ll face rejection and criticism, even when you feel as if you’re the best candidate. However, it’s important to move forward and take the necessary steps to achieve your goals. After all, nothing will happen if you stay stagnant.
Leave a legacy
King’s legacy is obvious. He created long-lasting civil rights changes that are still prominent today. Case in point: his “I Have a Dream” speech, which preached the need for change based on King’s hopes for the future. Years later, “I Have a Dream” is regarded as one of the most famous speeches in American history, proving his hard work left an impactful legacy.
What MLK can teach you about your career: Leaving a legacy and creating an impact should be your main career goals. While that impact may not be on the scale of King’s, you should strive to stand out from your competition and be the person employers point to.
Martin Luther King, Jr. not only created social change and improved civil rights, but also he altered the course of history. Use the impact he made on his career to guide yours to success.
What you think? What are some other career lessons from Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia
