Fri, May 14, 2010 - 12:13:12

Don’t Overlook the Little Guy

For far too long, there’s been a pervasive misconception in the business world that bigger is better, with a focus on big ideas, big pictures, and big actions. But, unfortunately, big has been the trend not just from an idea standpoint, but from a physical one as well. For years we’ve been led to believe that short people are at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to career success. But thanks to a New York Times Science article by Jane E. Brody, those of us who are vertically challenged (present company included) can breathe a sigh of relief. It turns out that just like “the Five Second Rule” and “Feed a cold. Starve a fever,” the conventional wisdom that small people can’t get ahead is just an old wives’ tale.

Although popular opinion has dictated that kids of short stature have social difficulties, it’s really just a myth. Brody explains that researchers at the University of Michigan not only found that kids below the average height cope well with their size, but that being tall has little benefit—unless of course you enjoy wearing slinky evening gowns and loathe taking trips to the tailor.

In fact, as Brody writes of her own experience, growing up short might actually make you stronger, instead of serving as a detriment. Why? Because the little people learn early on that in order to get noticed, you have to speak up and be outgoing. No, it’s not the so-called Napoleon Complex—an outdated theory on small people and inferiority, which has been scientifically proven to be false—it’s just a fact of life. Just like the little details, little people are naturally easier to overlook. So, they quickly discover how to draw your eyes down to their level and hold your focus.

And as two petite women who made it to the top of our industry by making big impressions with small nice gestures, we think Brody might be on to something. No matter how tiny you might be, you can turn that perceived negative into a positive and achieve big things. Size isn’t a limitation, so don’t let it stop you. Get SMALL and get going! 

Posted by Linda and Robin