A movie set? That’s Hollywood and Hollywood is filled with troubles of its own! What can your organization possibly learn from what takes place on a film set?
The answer is: PLENTY!
I have experience as an actor on stage, television, and in film, and in each situation, there are plenty of habits and attitudes that can help an organization or team function at a higher level. I invite you to be open to learning what others who are successful can teach. The traditional organizational “climate” can be a bit “closed” when it comes to applying principles and strategies outside the world of business. However, I always ask this one essential question:
Is what you’re doing now getting you the results you want?
For many organizations, the answer is simply “NO”. Well, if this is the case why not look at what others are doing to create successful outcomes? When it comes to performance and/or teamwork, organizations spend a great deal of time, money, and energy in an attempt to create high-performing people and teams. Some fail miserably while others “get by” and still others operate very effectively. A lot of time and money gets thrown at the problem with varied results. I’ve worked with professional athletes, large and small businesses and both can learn a great deal from things outside of the business world.
Widen your vision.
WHY MOVIE SETS ARE GREAT
When I showed up on my first film set I was immediately amazed at how so many diverse people and skills could band together to create a wonderful finished product. I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if people in business worked together as well as these folks do?” I was stunned at how the elements that go into a successful production worked both independently and then eventually together to reach their goal. I was also struck by the tremendous individual diversity of the people on a film set. They came from different cultures, educational backgrounds and experiences but one thing was clear; they were all there to do one thing; produce a terrific film! I then paid closer attention to see what was going on behind the scenes to make it all work so well. This article is the result of the learning points I took away from this experience. They are points that can help any organization thrive.
After each item is some short questions to ponder about your organization.
Ready?
ACTION!!
Learning Points…
1. Diverse people come to work with the expectation of “making a great product”
That’s right. Everyone comes to the set to produce a great product. This includes makeup, choreographer, camera people, scriptwriters, equipment people, assistants, lighting, producers, actors, and directors who all come to the set with one idea in mind:
To make a great product/production
It doesn’t matter what obstacles or personal differences people have, they have them for sure. There are always artistic and attitudinal differences, but the bottom line is: that everyone wants to be part of a great finished product. The reason: their name is stamped on everything they do and it matters to them. Here’s another built-in success factor. Movie sets usually have a great deal of diversity on them. People of many backgrounds and cultures come together to create a successful project. I can tell you that everyone on a movie or television set comes to work with this goal in mind and it positively affects everything they do.
Questions for your organization:
- How many people come to work in your organization with this mindset?
- How many people come through the door or become part of a team where the overall goal of each and every day is to craft a great piece of work?
- If they don’t; why don’t they?
POINT 2. Everyone knows they add value
It doesn’t matter how large or small your role is on the set, everyone knows that everyone else’s function matters. Everyone is hired for a reason and it’s very clear what they are doing on the set. Even if job descriptions “merge” or get a bit blurry; each person knows that what they do helps create the best product. The best directors and producers understand this and treat everyone accordingly because they realize that any discontent or improper treatment causes distress and unnecessary tension on the set. A director has so much to focus on that he/she certainly does not want or need undercurrents of displeasure or people walking around feeling disrespected. On a film or television set, each person knows their job matters because their “imprint” is felt on every scene.
Questions for your organization:
- Does everyone feel they are valued?
- How does your organization demonstrate its valuing of people?
- Do people in your organization feel their “imprint” is felt on what goes on?
POINT 3.
People are invited to flourish and create
On a film or television set people are expected to offer new and creative ideas. The creative process of their world invites and expects it. Everything is worth bringing up and talking about. There is always a seed of possibility in their minds and doing things differently is something they want and need. It doesn’t matter what your role is; any new idea is welcome. Maybe it will save the production money. Maybe it gives the production a better look and feel. It doesn’t matter what it is; it’s worth mentioning. Because this open atmosphere exists, people are more comfortable expressing themselves. Everyone is well aware that a final decision will be made by the director/leader but it doesn’t stop them from speaking up. There is no negative consequence for an unused idea.
Questions for your organization:
- Do people really feel free to express their opinions without fear of consequences?
- Do you establish an atmosphere that invites ideas?
- Do you know how many great ideas are left unheard?
