We've rounded up three iconic blockbuster films that can teach all of us a lesson about the do's and don'ts of being an effective manager.
Tucking into your favourite snack and turning on a movie is a great way to give your mind a break from the daily grind. But if you sharpen your focus just a little, you might come across a few pearls of wisdom between handfuls of popcorn.
Whether it's lessons about love, friendship, or how to run a business, movies are a cultural boon when it comes to analysing the human condition so we've rounded up three iconic blockbuster films that can teach all of us a lesson about the do's and don'ts of being an effective manager.
1. Company culture is more than a few fun quirks (Office Space, 1999)
This cult classic is a masterclass in what it means to work in a truly soul-crushing work environment. The Initech office is decked out in floor-to-ceiling grey, the corporate uniform seems to be an ill-fitting shirt with an uninspired tie, and at the top of the food chain sits a manager, Bill Lumbergh, who is totally disconnected from his employees.
In one iconic scene, Lumbergh addresses a room full of sullen, disengaged workers, letting them know that Friday is "Hawaiian Shirt Day" in an attempt to boost morale. Nobody seems particularly impressed. This scene is a warning to all managers: company culture runs much deeper than quirky initiatives with little substance or meaning, and employees cannot be motivated using superficial means. They can also sniff out half-baked solutions without batting an eye.
2. Questioning the status quo matters (12 Angry Men, 1957)
How easy it is to go with the flow, to avoid rocking the boat, to stick to the status quo. But it is often the rebels who are the ones to create positive change, both in the workplace and otherwise. In the movie 12 Angry Men, a jury is set to determine whether an 18-year-old boy from a disadvantaged background stabbed his father to death and whether he should be sentenced to death himself.
While the case appears to be fairly open-and-shut, one dissenting voice (Juror 8) insists that the stakes are too high to not take a closer look. What follows is a deep dive into evidence that had seemed to categorically point in one direction, but as it turned out, the only juror to question the facts when everyone else had made up their minds was the one who uncovered the correct answer. So, we have Juror 8 to thank for saving a life, and teaching us a valuable lesson about sticking to your guns even if you're on your own as long as you've got the research or proof to back yourself up.
3. If you're feeling inspired, act on it (The Social Network, 2010)
As a manager, how often do you have a new or innovative idea that never sees the light of day? Of course, not every passing thought can be put into motion, but we often sell ourselves short when it comes to the merit of certain ideas. And every potential change or improvement that goes unrealized is a missed opportunity to boost your revenue, streamline your sales, or motivate your employees.
The Social Network tells the story of how Facebook came to be. At one point, we see a young Mark Zuckerberg spin the idea of a profile-based social networking platform into a full-blown functional website in a matter of weeks, changing his life (and the entire world) forever. He felt inspired, he created a plan, and he executed. Imagine what would happen if, every month, you gave just one of your ideas the chance to become something bigger!
Off-screen, savvy managers know that having a well thought-out rewards and incentive structure is the key to tapping into your employees' true potential. Our team of experts will help to build out a programme that is tailored to your company's needs: contact us today!