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Heeeeeere's Johnny!
Ron White reflects on a success lesson.
One of my fondest childhood memories is watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. When I was seven years old, I would get a tape recorder and put it against the television and record Johnny's monologue.
I remember running into my parent's room because I wanted my mom to come and listen to the 'funny man'. When she walked into the living room, she laughed. However it was not at Johnny Carson, instead she laughed that her seven year old son was convinced that he had discovered Johnny before anyone else in the family!
Perhaps it should be no surprise that decades later I make my living by delivering monologues much like my childhood mentor. Although, I am a keynote speaker and not a comedian. Originally, I tried to be a comedian… but everyone just laughed at me!
As I listened to Johnny's friends this week, they all talked about what made him loved by those from 7 to 97. Do you know what they said? They said that he:
- Let others talk. (In other words Johnny was the star by not always manipulating the spotlight to himself. He let others shine.)
- Listened. (Not only did he let others talk, he also listened!)
- Made jokes but never at the expense of his guests.
- Saw the value in bringing the common man on his show.
- Wanted to see others succeed.
- Was almost funnier when his jokes bombed because he just rolled with it.
Johnny Carson understood that if his guests were successful and funny, that made him a star. He spent his interviews letting others have the spotlight.
Here's the lesson: Understand what I call the 'Carson principle'. This says that if you want to make your life successful, then make those around you successful.
Spend time to listen to the least among you. The 'Carson principle' also goes on to say that if you spend your efforts to draw attention to yourself it will actually backfire and focusing on others will catapult you to success.
This may not be monetary success but it will surely mean relational success. Finally, the 'Carson principle' says that it is okay to fail and don't take your failures too seriously.
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