The work of Robin Williams, the comedian and academy award winning actor was uplifting and vast.
Williams played a range of characters in his movies; from dramatic roles in films like The Dead Poets Society to comedic turns in big screen hits like Mrs Doubtfire. Since his passing, many commentators have discussed his immense influence on many aspects of contemporary culture. A US business journal has noted the real life lessons that Williams’ characters inspire for us in the business world.
There are many roles to choose from, but in terms of BNI there are three that stand out as presenting important business lessons to think about.
1. Dead Poets Society – the Business lesson is ‘Carpe diem or “seize the day”’
Dead Poets Society was an enormously successful movie. Williams played John Keating, an English teacher with a love for poetry and creativity, who inspired his classroom of boys to engage in literature.
His character taught his students to seize the day, which is how we could view our business ventures – seize the opportunities and take risks while you can.
In terms of BNI this lesson is important. During your 60 seconds, you only have a short time to engage members and get your message across. This is your time to shine and to take the opportunity to connect and make an impact on your fellow BNI members.
2. Mrs. Doubtfire – the Business lesson is ‘Find the positive even in the negative’
This movie called for Williams to dress up as an old nanny – a ploy to keep an eye on his kids during a divorce with his wife. His double-life antics were discovered and while he is left feeling ashamed, the movie ends with him airing a successful kids show of him still dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire. So, even though he made a negative decision to spy on his kids, he still found a positive outcome.
This lesson is pertinent for BNI. In a chapter you will always find people that can support you and encourage you through difficult times. Business is about challenges and sometimes risks don’t pay off. When this happens it is important to try to find the silver lining or move on from the negative event. BNI can help with this because there are always other business people who have gone through similar situations to you or who have faced serious challenges and got through. Finding the positive in the negative is an important skill to develop and BNI can assist with this.
3. Patch Adams –theBusiness lesson is ‘Dare to come up with new business strategies instead of following the herd’
Williams played Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams in a real life story about his unorthodox approach to helping sick patients cope with their illness or face death through acts of humour and compassion rather than clipboards and serious talks. Although Adams’ approach to helping the sick was different, it eventually was accepted, proving that the same strategy may not work for every business. Everyone may have their own path to success.
Belonging to BNI should allow you to hone in on what your specialities are as other members recognise your expertise. Hearing from other businesses will give you a better perspective on what your point of difference is. Use this knowledge to sharpen your business strategy and highlight what it is that makes your business different and unique in the wider environment.
Robin Williams was certainly a unique figure in the acting world that won’t soon be forgotten. Learn from his characters and see what business lessons you can draw from the fictional examples he provided us with.
