Bathtubs Over Broadway

The other day I watched Bathtubs Over Broadway, a documentary about industrial musicals - Broadway-style musical shows about some of the most recognizable products and corporations in America: General Electric, McDonald’s, Ford, DuPont, Xerox. Many of these shows, though only performed once or twice, had budgets rivaling and exceeding that of actual Broadway musicals. These musicals were often performed at sales meetings, company conventions and other corporate wide events.

So why would a corporation spend so much money to fund and host a musical just for the benefit of its employees?  

In many of these musicals, the protagonists were the salespeople and customers. The musicals with its dancing, costumes and elaborate sets elevated its characters, its employees and customers to "star" status. Employees left feeling heroic, important and full of purpose.

What does your organization do to elevate its employees? In a world, densely packed with selfies and reality videos, what message does your organization provide that is uplifting, creative, engaging, humorous and inspiring? What messaging have you used to your front line and back office staff navigating the new and uncertain environment presented by the pandemic to let them know how important they are?

Perhaps its time for your organization to communicate with your workers in acknowledging the realities of the pandemic, recognizing its challenges, identifying opportunities and elevating their role as heroes in the pandemic story.

We can help.