What businesses can learn from Michael Jackson

Turn off your computer after reading this post. Go watch This Is It. I guarantee it will change you.

I am not a fan of Michael Jackson. At most I find him amusing and nothing more. That is, until I watched his movie. Now, I understand why he is one of the greatest persons that ever walked (or shall I say moon walked) this earth.

While watching I couldn't help but feel sorry for myself for my idea of being passionate about something is nothing... NOTHING compared to what he has for his craft. And if what you do everyday at work is not your craft, then I feel more sorry for you. Michael taught me tonight to put everything you have in whatever it is you do. To really put in your whole self, your whole heart, your soul in what you do. He did it in how he sang, in how he danced. Why couldn't it be the same for business meetings, for reviews, for interactions with customers, with associates.

I also noticed something unique when Michael was improving on the music of his team, he described it using words outside of music. He told his team, play it like "waking up in the morning," or "let it simmer," or "put more love into it." Could you imagine telling your accountant or your merchandiser to PUT MORE LOVE INTO IT? I think business should be that way.

I sometimes would get surprised when the camera pans to the audience and I see two dozen people jumping with excitement instead of a coliseum full of people... oh yeah it was a practice session. BUT how Michael performed is at the level of real performance. Businesses should run the same way whether they serve two or two million customers. It's always Show Time!

Towards the end, he mentioned that what they're doing is an adventure. I totally agree. If you want to play it safe, then go work for the big boys and be the defenders of the status quo, otherwise go and make change happen now.