The Leadership Lesson Hidden in a 1923 Scene
The other day, I was watching a clip from the show 1923 on Paramount+ (great show, by the way!), and there was this scene that really got me thinking about leadership. A salesman is trying to sell a family both a washing machine and a refrigerator, going on and on about how much easier their lives would be. But the family isn’t buying it. They’re worried about getting stuck working even harder just to pay for all this new stuff.
It hit me – as leaders, we sometimes fall into the same trap. We focus on the shiny new toys – the latest tech, the big projects, the impressive numbers – and we forget about the people.
The Real Cost of “Progress”
Just like that family in 1923, our teams can feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to do more, be more, achieve more. We might think we’re giving them opportunities, but are we really just piling on more work and stress?
When we put “progress” ahead of people, we risk losing our most valuable players: our talented and dedicated employees. They might not make a big fuss about it, but their quiet quitting speaks volumes.
The Power of a Different Story
So, how do we avoid this? How do we create a workplace where people feel valued, excited to come to work, and ready to give their all?
The answer is simpler than you might think: it’s all about the story you tell.
- Tell a Story of Purpose: Instead of just talking about profits and targets, tell a story about the impact your company is making in the world. Help your team see how their work matters, how it’s making a difference in the world.
- Tell a Story of Connection: Build a culture where people feel like they belong. Share stories about your team’s wins, their challenges, and their personal journeys. Make it a place where everyone feels like they’re part of something special.
- Tell a Story of Growth: Show your people that you’re invested in their future. Offer chances to learn and grow, and share stories of how others in the company have climbed the ladder and achieved their goals.
Leading with Heart
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about fancy gadgets or big offices. It’s about connecting with people. It’s about understanding what makes them tick, what their dreams are, and what keeps them up at night. It’s about inspiring them with a story that gets them excited to come to work every day.
The Takeaway:
Remember that 1923 scene? It’s a good reminder: true leadership isn’t about selling people on the next big thing. It’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and ready to give their best.
Let’s Chat:
- Have you ever worked somewhere where you felt that kind of loyalty? Tell me about it in the comments!
- If you’re a leader who wants to build a team that’s truly committed, check out our leadership development programs.
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