The Miners

I’ve been thinking off & on about the big story from last week. The Miners. I know I'm behind in posting, but life for me has happily been busy and even hectic- but time to catch up!
They can teach us SOOOOOOOO much. Not only the broad lesson about living life (family and such), but also about us as coworkers- crisis, -and leadership. While a full analysis and commentary would take chapter upon chapter; I want to touch upon just a few points rumbling through my head.
*As coworkers- there are reports there was some fighting at first. Then came, however, the realization –the acceptance that they all had the same goal. With a common purpose they focused on the goal (surviving until rescued) and by doing so they became a team. The pride and courage they showed as a result was AMAZING. When I first heard the group was arguing about the order they would leave this underground prison, I NEVER would have imagined the details. They argued who should have the HONOR of leaving last. The leader who kept them going was bestowed with that. Not a ‘me first’ by ANY means. WOW!

*Leadership: Now here’s a rich source for this heading (but I’ll keep it to a minimum); stories of the shift leader’s efforts will continue to emerge, I think. Turning arguments into resolve has to be credited to him. Not only did he manage to unify his team in this extraordinary crisis, he motivated them to rally together. This guy is my hero. He organized specified areas and schedules to keep all focused (and sane). Gathering resources like the lights on equipment to simulate day & night as much as possible; setting up exercise regimens (that helped the mind as much as the body), and other examples that DEFINE leadership as well as heroism. The examples these men set for us are nearly endless! Talk about handling a stressful situation and overcoming a crisis!!

*Even above the ground efforts of teamwork shone through. Finger pointing was almost no existent- instead, a focus on THE GOAL (getting them out alive). Various industries (including the likes of NASA) from countries around the world come together with the vision defined.

I can’t speak for others, but I can say I will remember these examples for quite some time, and try to emulate- to live up to this high bar these men set.

Business lessons and the new TV season:

No- really, I think there are some basic lessons here.

The Event……Hawaii 5-0…..The Mentalist…….and Lonestar:

The Event: Create interest and curiosity for the client or prospects. Make them want to know more. And give it to them, BUT leave more to answer…more opportunity to ….do business and provide more.

Hawaii 5-0: You remember something that was popular, that filled a need. This is something that you don’t see anymore, but you feel is still ‘needed’ –still somewhat relevant, and that would be popular if made available again. However, to make it truly relevant (current, you need to give it an update (makeover?) that brings it into “today.”

The Mentalist: You have a current ‘product.’ It’s popular, well liked – ‘used’ and talked about. As the saying goes- if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. But you want to continue your success and not grow stagnant. What to do? You build on the core of what brought you success (here= believable characters & solid stories) and bring newer ‘products’ (episodes) based on that core.

Lonestar: Simple= If you have all (or even just too much) hype to live up to—you will fail. Setting expectations is critical. There’s a lot to be said for under-promising and over delivering.

In general-- be aware of your competition (what else is on), and stand out (why watch one over another).

BOTTOM LINE—Never stop paying attention, and never stop learning—no matter the potential source.