The year in films started with a bang as “Hidden Figures” became the surprise hit of 2017. Starring Taraji P. Henson as Katherine G. Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae as Mary Jackson, the film focuses on the mathematical and engineering contributions of three African-American women to NASA’s space program in the 1960’s.
Since its debut earlier this month, the film spent two weeks at the top of the box office, and the film is estimated to gross $100 million in the United States alone, according to The Atlantic. But apart from being a hit and a shoo-in for the Oscars, there are many lessons that can be learned from this film, and those who are struggling in their careers may want to take a few cues from these three incredible women.
Here are some career lessons that we can all learn from “Hidden Figures.”
Don’t be afraid to be the first
In one of the most memorable scenes of the movie, Mary spent a day in court convincing the judge to allow her to attend an all-white high school so that she could get the credits to take some engineering classes. At the time, this was something that has yet to be done in Virginia as the state was still segregated.
“Your honor, you alone understand the importance of being first,” said Mary, adding that she wants to be an engineer at NASA, but she can’t do that without attending classes at the all-white high school. “I can’t change the color of my skin, so I have no choice but to be the first.”
Most people in the workplace are afraid to be the innovators or the disruptors in the company. But many ideas and innovations would not have become a reality if people didn’t make a move to be the first to act on them. Believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to be the first.
Rise above the challenges
Katherine, Mary, and Dorothy all had to go through the challenges of being an African-American woman in a mostly white, male-dominated industry. While Mary fought to be allowed to attend classes at a whites-only school, Dorothy had to teach herself how to use NASA’s new computer. Meanwhile, Henson had to deal with suspicion in the workplace as at one point, she was accused of being a Russian spy.
Professionals will often go through some rough patches in the workplace, but dealing with this challenges in a professional manner, working through adversity, and knowing that one can make it past these challenges is the key to succeeding in any field.
If you really want something, put in the extra effort and time to get it
All three women had to make sacrifices in order to get ahead in their careers. Oftentimes, it will take a lot of time and effort to accomplish something. Whether it’s taking the time to learn something new, or going the extra mile to make sure that a presentation would make an impact, workers would benefit to putting in some extra effort in order to achieve one’s goals.
Speak up
When Katherine was berated for leaving her station several times a day, she finally told her boss, Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) that she was late because she had to go to the bathroom. Katherine told him and everyone in the room that there was no bathroom for colored women like her in the building and that she had to go somewhere half a mile away.
She also pointed out how she has been accused of not dressing nicely enough, saying that African Americans weren’t paid enough to afford a string of pearls.
When one is being treated unfairly in the workplace, it’s important to speak up for oneself and other people who may be experiencing the same thing. Staying silent about the situation wouldn’t help, so speak up and be heard.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on what top executives can learn from President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s great working relationship.
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