Making Leadership Visible.

3 “Oscar” Business Take-Aways!

by tom on February 28th, 2011

John Maxwell, author and speaker on leadership, told a story about a movie screening that he and his wife attended and about how all of those in the theater who had contributed to the film how, down to the grips, everyone was glued to their seats long after the movie finished as all of the credits rolled … so each could see their name on the screen.

Birthday cards from Caitlyn, Jacob and Zachary

It reminded me that how, as youngsters ( and now my grand kids ), we loved to see our art posted on the refrigerator at home, but also to experience the applause that follows. Here’s the truth … we never out-grow that satisfaction.

There are lessons for business leaders who desire valuing the “performers” in their respective industries. Here are my three business takeaways from last night’s Academy Awards:

1. Celebrate corporate achievements with annual celebrations that foster pride for multiple achievement categories … all crafts are valued. Celebrate craftsmanship and emphasize cross functional teams that result in your best projects or initiatives a la “best picture”, i.e., sound, screen play, cinematography, and special effects, for example. I cannot think of any achievement conducted without “supporting cast”.

2. Allow recipients during the celebration event to tell their story of their journey, barriers, mentors and family support … let them share the credits. Few successes are void of personal sacrifice.

3. Create your own unique applause symbols that cannot be purchased off-the-shelf or from a catalog … think Oscar. It elevates the meaning and significance of your tribute.

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