Are You Training Your Replacement?

Pictured: Anna Nicole Smith & Marilyn Monroe

Using the music industry as an example, let’s think back to the hip hop and r&B era in the 1990’s. Back then we had tons of artists that in our minds were original and innovative. Fast forward to now, we sit back and complain that the music out now is nothing but a sad carbon copy of the greats we had before.

Now apply this to life. Are you training your replacement? You ever have that homegirl that you give the greatest advice to? You tell her all about your personal life, what you could have done better and what you’re lacking, only for her to turn around and use it against you by taking your man? What about helping someone get a job, a career of a lifetime, only for them to turn around and take your spot? Believe it or not, no matter what you do, intentionally or not, you are training your replacement.

We live in a microwavable society these days where quicker & easier = better. Originality isn’t applauded on the same level as something that’s considered “hot” right now. Can you think of examples where you may have trained/inspired someone to replace you?

Let’s look at the Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj beef. Personally, I think the comparisons are a stretch. I mean, the fact that they both at one time wore colorful wigs is not enough for me to say that Nicki is pretending to be Kim. However, let’s assume that Nicki grew up listening to Kim, which we know she did. Let’s assume she was a fan of the music. Obviously it’s safe to assume that she grew inspiration from Lil Kim’s successful career. Fast forward to today – Kim is extremely upset and takes it as a diss. Although Nicki has never come out and dissed Kim, Kim feels disrespected. Or is it fear and intimidation? How do you react when you see yourself becoming “forgotten” about?

Personally I feel that the “forgotten about” mentality is all in your head. If you truly put it down in whatever you do, then you will never truly be forgotten about. It’s fine to train your replacement, as long as you remember that you are the originator and you conduct yourself with class, the world will see the truth. Whether it be the music industry or your personal life, whether you like it or not, someone is watching and they are taking notes. It’s not always a bad thing!