Over the long weekend I re-watched the Shrek trilogy of movies and realized there are many lessons to be learned and applied, both personally and professionally, in today’s world.
Leadership
Throughout the three movies, Shrek evolves into a highly respected leader. First, he became the leader of all the magical creatures then ultimately by the residents of Far Far Away. How did he make this transition? He was focused, dedicated and had integrity. His quest was so simple a 5 year old could understand it and repeat it. Shrek does not waiver from his purpose yet applies extreme compassion to all face-to-face situations. If you want people to follow you, personally or professionally, do you implement these three simple strategies?
Adaptability
Like in real life, quests change and evolve. Shrek recognizes these signs, with the help of his friends (think professional peers). They improve their quest as they gather more information. Take note, I’m not talking about the bumps and curves Shrek and team encounter along the way; every business event has its share of twists and turns. Rather I’m talking about the evolution of the big picture – the 30,000 foot view that our industry struggles to reach at times.
Culture
In everything I’m reading and doing these days, an organization’s culture is a very hot topic. So it was very interesting for me to relax and watch a movie (or three), and see organizational culture developing before my eyes. In the beginning of the trilogy, there is no culture. It is every man, women, and magical creature for themselves. Using leadership and adaptability, Shrek creates a swamp-culture that everyone believes in and, ultimately, is prepared to die for. There are only a few real world examples where culture like this exists; does your organization have its own swamp-culture? If not, what are you doing about it?
Family
I like the Shrek trilogy because it strikes a balance between life and work while using comedy to relieve stressful situations. Shrek goes “to work” so that he can be with the one he loves and, in the third movie, his family. The outside world defines Shrek by his work accomplishments but Shrek, true to his core, defines himself by his family; what a great lesson for kids, and adults, to learn from.
If you haven’t watched the Shrek movies in a while, then maybe they are worth another look. After all, it never hurts to explore your inner-Ogre.
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