Lessons from the Silver Screen: INSTALLMENT SIX

THE FIELD is a chilling confrontation with the human nature to protect and defend -- at all costs.  Actor Richard Harris was nominated for an Oscar by bringing to life (or death?) the stop-at-nothing passion to own three acres his tenant family had tilled for generations.  Protecting what we value is important, yet selfish desires can quickly trump common sense or community good.  Marketing efforts, even those ascribing social good, need the leavening of decency to thrive and multiply.  The need to contribute to the dignity of others may, in the final analysis, mean walking away from the siren song of personal and corporate wealth.

Lessons from the Silver Screen: INSTALLMENT FIVE

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU faded and flopped on the Big Screen, largely due to confusion between the science fiction focus and a romantic storyline.  The premise, however, is worth considering.  Is there such a thing as free will?  Is destiny ordained or earned?  Can we change the world or does it direct us?  This is critical for the market-focused entrepreneur who strives to carve out a meaningful niche in the landscape of global commerce.  Too much belief in "destiny" could lead to apathy and slow response to economic imperatives.  Too much belief in "clean slate" might encourage the ill-equipped or poorly-suited to believe all things are possible.  Without being a spoiler for the Redbox DVD renters out there,  there's reason to consider how -- and who -- shapes your future.

Lessons from the Silver Screen: Installment Four

DAWN PATROL was an early aerial combat movie, set amid the balsa-and-canvas airplanes of World War I.  The heavy losses of nearly every Allied patrol became the background for an emerging crisis.

Would the squadron's commander stand by as young fliers continued to die either by crash-inducing mechanical failures or enemy fire over the trenches?  Would sacrifice extend beyond the soldier to the officer?  Would honor mean death -- or saving another for at least another day?

Contemporary theories about LEADERSHIP abound, but the idea of sacrifice as a core attribute elude many of them.  DAWN PATROL's message is that, at some point, leaders enter the fray if they believe the cause truly is worthy.

Lessons from the Silver Screen: Installment Three

INCEPTION has captured the imagination of many as a new model for film production.  An original screenplay devoid of super heroes, aliens or middle-aged men acting like sixth graders, the film illuminates at least one important concept.

The mind's power to create and destroy -- and turn thoughts into palpable reality -- is beyond debate.  Understanding this double-edged nature is key to constructive persuasion in which new, positive connections can be made with past experiences.

Whether product or service, demonstrating how problems get solved, obstacles are overcome and potential is realized all are viable paths to greater sales.  Instead of having to go three levels down in the mind, influence can occur on a more visible and transparent basis.

Insights from the Silver Screen: Installment Two

TRUE GRIT has come back again with a vengeance, pun intended.  The Western classic has been reborn with a precocious protagonist and Jeff Bridges scooping up the redemptive role of Rooster Cogburn.

Insights abound, but one stands out regarding the power of intentionality.  In pursuing her father's killer, a young woman must continually overcome skepticism about her 1) motivation, 2) capabilities and 3) resources (as in, budget to underwrite the manhunt).

In every case and with each step, she keeps her eyes on the prize even through dark nights and semi-warm campfire beans.  She gains her results at the cost of limb, not life, as those she recruits prevail in large part because of her unrelenting passion.