A Pyramid of Growth

A Pyramid of Growth

 5 Observations…

“Is this one of those pyramids?”  That question is one of the most frustrating and often heard responses that any network marketer has to deal with.  It is born out of misconception and misunderstanding, due also to many issues, and the prevalent mindset found in 98% of the population that find it easier to make excuses than to make a successful life.  

In business it often has negative connotations, but is actually prevalent in all industries.  From insurance and real estate to corporate structures, the pyramid not only exists, but is essential for capitalism and the success or growth of any business or organization.  It is found in the military with the lowest rank of enlisted to the highest ranking officer, throughout history and most governments of the world with the peasants serving Kings, and citizens serving local, state and federal leaders.  One can even find examples of the pyramid structure throughout scripture and the history of the church.

So, as this tractor trailer passed me on the highway the other day, it reminded me of a pyramid and brought up some ideas that I wanted to convey to hopefully dispel some myths or false beliefs in the whole concept of a pyramid.  As I looked at it, I immediately noticed several things…

First, those individuals who sit at the top of any organization or “pyramid” are there because of the value they bring to their business, organization, or people under them.  They are leaders because they have invested in themselves and grown or developed skills that enable them to lead others.

Second, the reverse of the previous statement is also true.  Those who serve and are not in positions of leadership are in supporting roles because they do not possess the qualities and skills of a leader.  They have not invested in themselves and made the effort to grow.

Now, on to my observations on the pyramid… 

1.      The massive size of the cylinder on the top, especially in relation to the smaller and more numerous cylinders on the bottom row…  Those at the top are almost always larger than life and contribute the most to society.  Great leaders invest heavily in themselves and so have much to offer their followers.  Just as that large cylinder can handle massive amounts of volume, whether it be filled with liquid, air, gas, etc., individuals who have expanded their abilities through personal growth, perseverance, hard work, education, and so on, grow into large contributors to the environment that surrounds them.  That not only includes their work place, but also their families, churches, and the communities in which they live and work.  They are all about feeding those under them and not drawing from, but rather giving to, or pouring  value into the lives of others.  In short, they are on top because they have earned the position.

2.      The “gold capped” cylinder in the middle… stands out from the entire group.  As I glanced at the truck as it passed, this one cylinder grabbed my attention and actually started this entire thought process.   The pyramid that exists in so many aspects of our lives really has no regard for anything other than results.  Like the old saying goes… “The cream rises to the top.”  Those who stand out above the crowd rise to positions of affluence, power, and leadership.   They possess those ‘special’ qualities that get them noticed.  They are prepared, unafraid to be unique, or different, and most always possess a great deal of courage and a renegade spirit that propels them to think outside the box and get things done when others can’t.   Rarely will any individual stay hidden long if she is making an impact, while anyone who is not contributing to his environment will be paid more than he is worth for very long.  The law of reciprocity is universal and will catch up to all who try to get more than they give.   The more you grow, the more you will “stand out”.  And the more you “stand out”, the farther you will move up. 

  

3.      The bottom rows full of small cylinders are the crowd, the masses...  They have not grown personally and cannot handle much nor do they have much to contribute.  These are the ones content to receive assistance and blame everything and everyone else for their position in the pyramid (life).  The two larger on the side and on the  second row, are those individuals who are striving somewhat to live a better life, perhaps the professionals, entrepreneurs in training, or those working through beginning levels of personal development.  They are growing, but have yet to break free from the 98% who are stuck in their comfort zone and unwilling to change or get better.  Sadly, most have stopped dreaming and often ridicule the 2% who try to break free.

4.       Look at the boards in between the cylinders… Here you will discover one vitally important key to making a pyramid work.  There is always a need for something or someone to protect the team members from each other.  This is accomplished with some very essential connections, among team members.  These actions, undergirdings, prayers, meetings, trainings, etc… are the fundamental elements that support any successful enterprise, and without these connections, or insulators - the relationships, and businesses or organizations will eventually fail. 

5.       The straps or “Tie-downs” holding everything together…  These work in harmony with the insulators to preserve and enhance the relationships that are inherent in any organization.  The ‘tie-downs’ that anchor everything are those relationships and leadership roles critical to success.  If we allow those connectors to weaken and break, the pyramid collapses and everyone scatters.  No pyramid, no team, no success… for anyone.

So, don’t bash the concept of a pyramid.  If you’re at the bottom in life and things aren’t going well, look up.  Reach out to those at the top.  They have all the qualities and winning characteristics found in every level of growth, and have much to share.  Most are there because they have earned it through intense effort and great personal development, and desire to share and help others join them at the top.  So, from five observations come five steps to the top:

1.      Find a mentor – mentorship makes the difference.  Good books can serve as mentors as well as email and phone conversations.  There are many ways to learn from those more successful than you.

2.      Be coachable – admit you don’t know it all and be willing to learn.  Accept where you are in life as your fault.  Your lot in life is ultimately a result of your choices and responses to what life has given you thus far.   Yes, some have been thrown some curves, but many of life’s greatest champions have hit the toughest curveballs.

3.      Act like A champion - Do what your mentors are doing – Winners act like winners!  Copy those who win and you will win.

4.      Stand out – do what others won’t!  Don’t be afraid to be different!  Blaze your own trail!  Those who stand out are the next to move up!

5.      Take action - Look again at numbers 1 through 4 and go to work, now!