Rewinding Lessons from the Betamax & VHS Tapes Generation

Nostalgia often brings to mind a simpler time, and for many of us, that includes trips to the local video rental store. We’d browse through rows of Betamax and VHS tapes, taking our time to read the synopses and select the perfect movie for our night. It was more than just a transaction; it was an experience that demanded patience and thoughtfulness. Once home, we’d sit through the entire film, committed to our choice, even if it turned out to be less than entertaining. And who could forget the act of rewinding the tape before returning it? A small, but meaningful gesture of consideration for the next renter.

Reflecting on these experiences, I see how different the world is for my 19-year-old and 13-year-old children, who can skip content within seconds. For them, the choice to switch to something new is instant, and I worry this could affect how they approach longer-term commitments in other areas of life, including the workplace. The shift from patience to instant gratification has broader implications—not only for how we consume media but also for how we navigate challenges and make choices that require perseverance.

Bringing Old-School Values

Delayed Gratification

In the Betamax and VHS era, we learned to anticipate and savor our entertainment experiences. Today’s world, with its emphasis on instant access, often deprives us of the joy of delayed gratification. This principle can be valuable in the workplace, encouraging a mindset where effort and patience lead to rewarding outcomes.

Commitment to Choices

Watching a tape from start to finish taught us to follow through on our decisions. Today, cultivating resilience against the urge to abandon tasks prematurely is essential for success, both individually and collectively.

Deep Focus in a Distracted World

The absence of digital distractions allowed us to engage fully with the content we chose. In the workplace, fostering environments where deep focus on tasks can enhance creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction.

Consideration for Others

The act of rewinding a tape before returning it instilled a sense of responsibility and community. Similarly, in professional settings, understanding and anticipating colleagues’ needs can improve teamwork and help us contribute to a more cohesive work culture.

A Future Worth Rewinding For

Thinking about the future my children will grow up in, I find myself wondering if these values of patience, commitment, and thoughtfulness will be as naturally ingrained in their lives as they were in mine.

The PwC’s 2024 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey hints at some of the challenges that lie ahead, showing that today’s employees are grappling with an overwhelming pace of change. With so much focus on the immediate, one-third of employees now say they may switch jobs within the next year.

Will the workplaces of tomorrow encourage resilience, focus, and a sense of community—or will these become values we simply look back on?

These shifts make it even more important for me to instill these timeless values in my children and, as a leader, create spaces where patience and focus are not just valued but actively cultivated. I’m aware, too, that as a manager, I’m not seen as a parent figure. Navigating generational perspectives in the workplace requires a careful balance—showing respect for each person’s individuality while fostering an environment that values long-term growth over short-term wins.

So, to my fellow leaders and parents: How do you bridge these generational gaps? How do you instill patience and commitment in your teams, especially in a world that moves faster than ever?

Maybe our video rental days have a few more lessons to offer.