Just as no one can understand your struggles better than you, similarly no one can understand your dreams better than you!
The new wave of leaders in the US definitely made this year a little bearable, thinking world’s largest democracy will shape better for change. On that note, got thinking why do we stop upskilling ourselves and question – if enough has been learned? Covid probably gave a lot of us an opportunity to get back to studying, but maybe its time that we continue this habit.
Over the last weekend binge-watched (the movie) – The Intern – simply to indulge in some happy endings and accepting new changes in life. For many it could be just another chick-flick or easy humour, but for me this time I viewed it from the lens of a communicator (don’t ask why!). And realised we can learn anytime, anywhere, from any kind of experience.
Don’t take my rant about learning as frivolous, but a genuine example of how I picked some interesting lessons from the movie. Some of them have been shared innumerable times with all of us, but we can use a little bit of reminding too. Here you go, pick your takeaways from the (short) list below:
It’s never too late to learn something new: Recently, my 65-year old neighbour mentioned how she transformed the lockdown time into her learning time. She took all possible online courses and learnt basics about Microsoft office, making a video, inserting music clips and all that she could soak in to update herself with technology. I was impressed with her curiosity and streak to learn. And that’s what I saw in Robert De Niro, while watching the movie. He had absolute humility to work with kids less than half his age and yet maintained a dignified aura. He didn’t belittle what the younger generation did, but at the same time ensured he stuck to his basics as well. Indeed, a good strategy to stay humble and keep learning. Maybe a skill we could start shaping up, beginning today.
Two different generations can collaborate together beautifully: Yes, it’s the most prevalent thing in our Indian business culture, often globally too, but not something we say it out loud as often as we should. Family businesses, in India, have shown us that various generations can collaborate, learn from each other and work seamlessly to build better brands and organisations. Similarly, we need to accept that this can be applied in a corporate culture as well. I have often seen younger team members with their prestigious MBA’ degrees leading team members at a senior age bracket. What smelled like success for the team was inherent respect for and the intent to learn from each other, as part of two different generations. So never forget to do this, because every individual’s experience varies and comes with a new set of lessons to pick from.
Learn to do something without desiring recognition: The movie beautifully encapsulated how every character worked out of sincere passion. Probably their love to do more and better. We as communicators always strive to do better than what we did yesterday, because our clients or brands need the fuel to grow. So, to this aspect if we attempt to add the fact of doing good without expecting to be recognised (immediately), could do us some good. Yes, recognition is imperative and a necessity to keep growing, no denial in that. But on a daily / weekly /monthly basis if we let go of that, then the long-term goals might feel far more achievable (and at a faster pace too!).
Vintage never goes out of fashion – The panache with which Robert De Niro carried himself throughout the movie, was simply commendable, even when he drove Hathway for her meetings. There is nothing small, when it comes to work, it’s just a new perspective of looking at the assignment. Made me confirm that all of us have to continue learning from grey hairs. I’m not simply repeating what I said above, but emphasising that exchange of information and knowledge should happen irrespective of one’s generation or origin. It could help us craft narratives in a new light. So, always be accessible to learn from each other, be it Gen Y or Gen Z or a millennial or Gen Alpha!
Think from the customers’ lens: Anne Hathway reiterated often throughout the movie that she built her empire from ground zero, by simply listening to what the customer wants. As communication professionals we often walk that line – do what our clients want or bring alive what the organisation wants. Let’s stick to that, but never forget to be the eyes and ears for the organisation. We have to keep a pulse on change – could a shift from traditional to digital media; could be collaborating with a new stream within the company; or simply accommodating to new ways of a global market. Ultimately, look at the end of the funnel from the objective that this is how you will fill the customer need-gap. We are in the profession of designing unique stories each day, but let’s keep a check on the basics – of what will interest our reader.
Run of the mill lessons? Or basics in a new light? You decide what fits your perspective. But just remember that as communicators, we should continue to evolve, stay strong to our fundamentals and never stop learning. Hoping the festivities add a cheer to the gloom and we all meet on the other side, happier than now.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Building brands through story-telling is what keeps me going! Having spent 18years in this industry, I am far more excited to experiment on what's next to unlearn. Worked with industries across FMCG, Oil & Gas, Technology, Fashion, Telecom, Media House, F&B and now Sports, my curiosity to craft a narrative only gets deeper. Marathons, Black Coffee, learning about Scotch and Malts, reading everything i can, travelling, are few of other personal passions that I happily pursue.
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