Beverley East, Contributor

You are probably wondering if this headline is an editorial error. No, it's not. 'Stain-ability' means making an indelible mark on whatever you do on this Earth before you leave it.

Ask yourself these questions : If I leave tomorrow, will anyone remember what I have done? Will they acknowledge my contribution to major projects?

You don't have to be a Martin Luther King, a Marcus Garvey, a Malcolm X, a Bob Marley or a Mary Secole, these are people with incredible 'stain-ability'. They will always be remembered for their outstanding achievements.

Make your mark

Your indelible mark must be made - just like an ink stain on a white shirt that cannot be removed no matter how hard you try.

'Stain-bility' is making your mark, creating your personal record. This is, indeed, a challenge in a corporate world which is very tough and where there are always people who are going to try to blot you out. It is your job not to allow them to try to erase you.

The success of your career is not just about what you have achieved for yourself but what you can achieve for others and how long you can keep going in the process - 'stain-ability!'

Many people run out of steam very early in their career. They burn out quickly because they are either juggling too many balls at once - trying to be too diverse too quickly - or they just don't have a clue about what they are really trying to achieve in the first place.

They often make rash decisions which seem okay at the time, but may end up running around in circles.

Working hard is just not enough - you have to be strategic inyour career journey. Do not move from job to job or from company to company but plot your career path carefully. By doing so, each step will bring you closer to where you want and need to be.

Characteristics

During your career journey, take the following characteristics with you:

Sheer determination:

A passion for what you are doing. This is the fire that will keep your heart burning when all else is failing around you.

Integrity: of utmost important.

A good work ethic: The ability to take criticism from those more seasoned than you.

Creativity: In addition, know when to be still, know when to fight for what you believe in, be prepared to invest in yourself and retrain if necessary.

Sometimes, we sabotage our own careers by not being prepared to listen to others.

I know someone who wrote a book and had it dramatised on British TV. An entire Jamaican cast was gainfully employed and the show was a great success.

There were even plans of bringing the cast to Jamaica to film during one of the character's visit to his parents.

In season three, the show was abruptly cancelled. The author allowed his ego to get in the way and drove the producers crazy. I the process, they pulled the plug from the show and the entire cast was quickly out of work.

This is a clear example of when the ability to be 'stained' is quickly washed out.

Many of the actors due to their own skill and talent have been hired in other capacities but the author is still putting blame on everyone but himself.

My Uncle Howard East worked for RJR for 40 years. He had 'stain-ability'-- not only in longevity of service, but work ethic and career development. When I joined RJR, I knew I had his legacy to live up to.

In the music industry, when a group or a singer is successful and then disappears into obscurity, they call it a 'one-hit wonder' . Then you have legends like Third World, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and Ken Booth who all have 'sus-tain-ability'.

So, as yougo about your work each day, decide what projects you can you tackle and put your personal stamp on.

When you move on, will your employee still remember your contribution? Be sure to create your own unique 'stain'.

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