Business Lessons From the Movies

When you love your job, you find that you can’t stop thinking about it... in a positive way.  If you hate your job, well, that’s a different article.  Many times I have found myself discussing business strategies and work ethics with others.  I have a summer reading list that includes everything from fiction, to history, to business.  When I watch movies, I find myself picking up on business concepts as well.  So, here’s just a few business lessons that I’ve learned from some of my favorite movies.

• Step Brothers- You may become best friends and do karate in the basement with people that you initially couldn’t stand, so don’t burn bridges after a first impression.  Even if the partnership had a rough start, it could become one of your favorite companies to work with.  Also, bunk beds are harder to make than you may think.

• 9 to 5- If you allow your employees to personalize their space and provide some much needed benefits, they will be happier and more productive.  Listen to your employees and they will work harder for you.  Also, don’t buy rat poison that looks like your sugar.

• Star Wars- No matter how much power (read: force) you have, using it to scare others into following you (to the Dark Side) will end with rebels infiltrating and blowing up your headquarters... figuratively speaking.  They will figure out your weaknesses and use them against you.  Also, only hire the best engineers.

• Cool Hand Luke- Just because someone thinks they are clear in their communication, it does not mean that the other party agrees with the message.  A failure in communication may be on your end, so if something is not working out as planned, ask the other party what they are getting out of your message.  Also, eating eggs is serious business.

• Office Space- Constantly having your employees work on the weekend while you are not will drive them to hate you.  So, say goodbye to that super expensive, yet very dysfunctional printer now if that is your management strategy.  Just because they work for you does not mean that they can/will do all the work for you.  Also, if someone already has a memo about the coversheet for the TPS reports, don’t offer them another copy of the memo.

• Hot Fuzz- Don’t be afraid to be the best at what you do.  Your competition (read: coworkers and/or boss) may be jealous, but what is so bad about setting the bar high?  Sometimes, taking on a mentee will help not only raise the bar, but also increase productivity.  Also, beware of pleasantville-type villages.

• The Big Lebowski- Everything is not a travesty.  Every company has a hiccup from time to time.  However, relating everything back to a major event (read: Vietnam) will not necessarily help you in your current situation.  Focus on the present... such as if your phone is ringing.  Also, rugs really help pull rooms together.

This list could have been much, much longer but I’m sure you are catching on by now.  Pretty much any movie that has to deal with the interactions of people can be related to the workplace and business relationships.  So, next time you’re watching a movie and enjoying your popcorn or sugary snack, try to think about how you could apply some of the lessons to your business.