The Hip-Hop Workplace

I've always wondered about people who grew up with hip-hop culture (especially African-Americans) and how they would be able to function in the corporate workplace. After all, it's not an easy feat. If you're going to talk in ghetto slang to your supervisors, you're not going to get very far at your job.

The problem is that kids these days don't like to conform. They're taught to stick it to "the man", so to speak. Being something they're not is not on their agenda. Of course, they need to learn that they have to make compromises when it comes to being successful.

In sports leagues (i.e. NBA), athletes are taught to uphold to a professional appearance and manner when on the court. The dress code is strict and you have to be able to conduct yourself in a proper manner. Outside is another story, where people can still be themselves.

A good thing to point out about hip-hop culture aficionados is that they have a desire to succeed at all costs. You think of people like Jay-Z and how he made it. The man even started his own label!  Those people will put everything on the line for any given opportunity. They are creative, bold, and willing to invest in risks. You can call them super aggressive salespeople.

I think employers have to realize that things aren't the same as they were back then. Some companies are very conservative, I get that. But, you're missing out on some truly unique gems. Something needs to be done about the high unemployment rate among 16-24 year olds. Embrace the attitude and hone those "ghetto" employees where their attitude can create a positive ripple through your company.

Who knows, a crazy freestyle rapper could be the one who generates an insane amount of revenue for a Fortune 500 company.