That statuesque golden boy has been wooing audiences since 1929. He only goes home with the best. His nod of approval is not only coveted, it’s celebrated with sparkling dresses and terse tuxes.
But the Oscar winners have more to share than entertainment or even a night of watching the red carpet. To me, the Oscars are a wealth of business and life lessons ripe for the plucking.
1. Silver Linings Playbook
Eight Nominations in 2013
Tiffany had a dream – to win the dance competition. She knew she couldn’t do it alone. So she made a deal with Pat to be her partner and offered a “Win-win” solution. Finally – they set a goal: Get a 5 rating and help Pat’s Dad win back his money he lost gambling on football.
Then they did what all successful people will do: they rolled up their sleeves and went to work, practicing every day. And it worked.
2. Lincoln
Twelve nominations in 2013
The lessons from our 16th President are plentiful. This movie reminds us of them. Stick to your principles with unwavering belief and fight for them. Along the way, build consensus for your vision and work with others to achieve that consensus. That is a big part of being successful in any venture you undertake in life and in business.
3. Argo
Seven nominations in 2013
Have you ever had an idea that seemed so impossible to achieve, where the stakes are high but the payoff enormous? That is “Argo”. The plot to free six American Diplomats from Iran seemed so far-fetched you have to believe it is true. Tony Mendez’s plan to shoot a “fake movie” seemed preposterous and a little crazy. But it worked. So don’t let an “impossible dream” stop you from trying.
4. Jerry Maguire
Five nominations, one win in 1997.
We’ve all heard the phrase “I had a Jerry Maguire moment”. Jerry’s life altering decision to chuck it all and start his own company made his name the business language lexicon. The “Jerry Maguire Moment” is the instant when you stop following your bank account and start following your heart.
Make the decision to choose integrity like Jerry, and then, should the opportunity arise, go change the world starting with your own.
Check in tomorrow for the last four on my list!
