Meryl Streep’s greatest success?

Quote

“In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo. You're judged by how you look, not by what you are. Hollywood's a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, and fifty cents for your soul." Marilyn Monroe

News

Meryl Streep is a major success by anyone’s standards. The versatile and gifted character actor has been nominated for a record number of Golden Globes and Academy Awards; she won her third Oscar on Sunday for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Success is defined in different ways in different cultures and professions; in the world of entertainment, talent, professionalism, luck, determination and teamwork are all contributing factors. In Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech, it was clear she valued one thing above all others in her success both on and off the stage.

Unlike many speeches at the Oscars, it was not a diplomatic list of credits and tributes; she only thanked two people by name.  Firstly Don Gummer, her husband of 33 years, to whom she said, “I want [you] to know that everything I value most in our lives you’ve given me.”  Then she credited her professional colleague, hair stylist and makeup artist Roy Helland, for working with her for 37 years, including every single film from Sophie’s Choice in 1982 (for which she won her second Oscar) to the Iron Lady (for which Helland won his first).

Amid the rivalry, glitz and superficiality of Hollywood, Meryl Streep is an example of someone who is committed to continuity in relationships over the long haul. The fruit of this in professional accomplishment and in a deeply fulfilled family life were eloquently demonstrated in her acceptance speech. That’s not something one expects to see on Oscar night.

Read on

What does it take to build and maintain personal or professional relationships over the long haul?  One essential ingredient is friendship.  Read the chapter entitled “Friends” in the R Option by Michael Schluter and David Lee here.

Walk the talk
Is there someone who has worked for you over a long period, but who gets less credit than you do for what you accomplish together?   Why not find a way of honouring them publicly for their unique contribution to the success of the venture?

Last word

From the Bible: Proverbs 18 verse 24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”