One of the business women I admire greatly is Dolly Parton. My family recently toured her museum as part of her theme park, Dollywood.
Her unique sayings are called “Dollyisms.” If you follow her on social media, you’re treated to these regularly. I took a picture of one, which is posted below.
I believe the phenomenon of women in business who are under-estimated is not uncommon. At least, during Dolly’s lifetime it has not been uncommon. Perhaps for future generations of girls growing up, it will be less common.
If you’re not familiar with Dolly’s story, her accomplishments are too numerous to summarize here! Her awards span music, radio, TV, the stage, and film. She’s won almost every kind of award possible…many multiple times. And she gives back to the community in countless ways: literacy efforts, and by employing literally hundreds of thousands of people in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee where her family originated.
Dolly Parton is an inspiration. She has changed the world she has lived in during her lifetime. How can we learn from her example?
Start by not making assumptions. Don’t assume based on how someone looks, or your first impression of them. Let’s agree to take that first step in 2019.
Betsy Winkler is a Partner at PeopleResults. She can be reached on Twitter @BetsyWinkler1.
