Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions: Lessons from the Broccoli Family on Maintaining Control and Trust

Who do you trust to make decisions for you?? You shouldn’t let temporary people make permanent decisions for you. I thought about this after it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios would take complete creative control of the James Bond franchise from producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Amazon’s Acquisition and the Broccolis’ Legacy

Without diving too deep into details, Amazon acquired the rights to the iconic spy films when it purchased MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022. But, they couldn’t do anything Bond-related without Barbara and Michael’s approval. The relationship between our favorite e-comm company and the Broccolis was strained at best.

Barbara and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson have been the torchbearers of the franchise since their father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, passed away in 1996, taking their responsibility seriously. They lived by motto their dad often used: “Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions.”

The Broccolis’ Philosophy

The Broccolis have worked with movie studios, executives, and accountants since Cubby bought the film rights to British novelist Ian Fleming’s book in 1961. They recognized early on that they were the constant in a sea of change. Others might come and go, but they would remain.

It’s an interesting mindset we can all adopt. How many times in your life, whether the decision was big or small, have you based your choice on others’ opinions? And in my best Jerry Seinfeld voice, “Who are those people?”

Cubby, Barbara, and Michael weren’t directors, cinematographers, set designers, screenwriters, or stylists, but they ultimately approved every choice those people made.

Surround Yourself with the Right?People

We can’t do everything ourselves?—?though I always try?—?but we need to be surrounded by the best and most trustworthy people we can find, whether locally or virtually. Yet when push comes to shove, “Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions.”

In any creative endeavor I’m involved with?—?whether it be radio, sketch comedy, film, or podcasting?—?I always welcome others’ thoughts and opinions. Sometimes I even take their suggestions, but nothing annoyed me more than when an idea I took didn’t work out. I wasn’t mad at them; they were just being kind and helpful. I was mad at myself because they didn’t have ‘skin in the game;’ I did.

Looking back at the Broccoli family’s approach offers us a huge lesson: we are the writers of our own life’s story. Trusting only those who have earned it and maintaining control over the decisions that shape our future is key. This doesn’t mean dismissing input from others, but rather ensuring that those who influence us truly understand and support our core values.

Guiding Principles for Decision?Making

Next time you’ve hit a fork in the road, think of this:

• Choose Your Advisors Wisely: Surround yourself with folks whose opinions you respect, but make sure they understand your vision and are rooting for you.
• Retain Control: While collaboration is key, never give up final decision-making authority over aspects important to your identity or mission.
• Embrace Longevity in Relationships: Just as the Broccolis stood as enduring figures, seek relationships that stand the test of time, offering stability in a world of change.
• Learn From Every Experience: Even when decisions don’t pan out, treat each hiccup as a learning opportunity to refine your methods for future situations.

By trusting in yourself and those who consistently show loyalty and understanding, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that serve your long-term dreams and personal growth.