I’ve spent the summer thinking about my clients, CorpLite, and how I can best add value to those who are working hard every day to make a difference. Through this inner journey I have rediscovered what is the heart and soul of CorpLite. . .success begins with belief, is propelled by learning, and takes wing with execution. That’s where my energy has always best served, in understanding how to propel the successful execution of an initiative or project.
Based on that knowledge, I started watching some movie bloopers. Odd approach, I know, but here’s what those bloopers of “Dead Man’s Chest”, the original Pink Panther series and other movies reminded me of — life happens in increments. There is not one perfect take. Instead, there are a series of shots which sometimes we have to reshoot multiple times before we get it right. I think that a large part of our struggles in today’s corporate environment come from the desire to write a script, find the players, and shoot the movie without any rehearsal – then expect a blooper-free reel.
Let’s face it – the learning is found in the mistakes. The laughter comes through the bloopers. If there are no bloopers then the script isn’t complex enough and the players bring nothing new to the table. Bloopers are proof that someone is trying to put their learning into action. Movies don’t come to life in the scripting and planning phase. They begin to live and breathe when human beings form the words on the paper.
I think we need to remember a few things as we ponder new beginnings in a fall season:
1. We learn in increments. Don’t overload people by saying “Here is the script, we shoot tomorrow.” Break business down into scenes. Let people plan for and practice those scenes. Then shoot 5 minutes at a time. If it’s a new sales program, practice one behavior for a week.
2. Expect bloopers. Just because leaders demand a new sales program be rolled out within a certain timeline doesn’t mean it will roll out flawlessly. If people are trying a new script, there should be bloopers. There should be outtake reels. Otherwise, nobody’s doing it.
3. Know when to say “action,” and know when to yell “cut.” Once people have their scripts and plans, then start the incremental roll-out. Once everyone has practiced their one sales skill for a week then someone must yell “action” so they begin to use that skill in a customer setting. If those actions aren’t working, never be afraid to yell “cut” and look at the scene one more time. The script might need to change, and that’s okay!
Life happens in increments, and so should work! The “Lite” in CorpLite represents increments, and a belief that simplicity is more likely to create success. Today, join me in believing in The Power of Lite!