Tube Time, Popcorn & Learning

As I think of upcoming holidays and snowed-in times, restrictions on travelling; more than ever I’m looking forward to my tradition of re-watching a few of my favorite movies. 

With a belief that inspiration can come from anywhere including nature, books, TedTalks, a note from your kids or simply a conversation with someone, I include movies in that list as well, considering they are quick ‘in n out’ for me as compared to books and leave the same everlasting mark on my operating system. 

You could very well make a point that book reading is a better option and I would definitely not oppose that thought. I think in reading, you are mixing your imagination with the world that the writer builds through his words, while watching a movie gives you a real-life opportunity to observe how someone sketches a world on celluloid right from the beginning. Building a character can take pages in a book, but movies carry a demanding task of portraying the same character in just a couple of minutes. It also challenges my unconscious bias in some sense. I catch myself now and then making assumptions about someone from their appearance or quick interaction with them. You might not realize it but we all get trapped in that net for a few minutes. Seeing a character in movies gives me an opportunity to check on that instant unconscious bias because as the plot progresses, I am forced to calibrate my impression of that same character.

There was a time when the ease of taking a book anywhere trumped over the option of movies but now with streaming services on Amazon, Netflix, YouTube & Hulu, that differentiation has almost subsided. Regarding books, I am still traditional. I need to touch & feel the pages, underline what penetrates through me and then save it as my treasure. 

Now, coming back to my annual dose of inspirational boost through screen time indulgence, here are a few movies from my long list- 

1.      Margin Call - Watch for fast changing dynamics in a corporate world and the typical dynamics that come with hierarchy. 

2.      Crimson Tide - My all-time favorite on leadership, negotiations & influencing. 

3.      Somethings that Lord Made – A stellar portrayal of mentor-mentee relationship.

4.      Infinitely Polar Bear - Challenging the stereotypical thinking, layer after layer from multiple angels. This movie has a lot to offer. 

5.      Sum of All Fears - Influencing, being courageous, role of a mentor, and navigating in a tough environment.

6.      K-19 Widowmaker & Hunt for Red October – Leadership and conflict resolution. 

7.      King’s Speech – Self-development, significance of a small but supportive network & contribution of a genuine coach in developing a leader.

8.      G.I. Jane - Game changer’s journey, conviction, the challenges of being first & compelling an inclusive culture.

9.      Pursuit of Happiness – Hard work, dedication, fighting the odds, and being responsible.

10.  3 Idiots – Learn to learn, let your passion lead you to success. (Enriched with Bollywood flavor)

11.  The Blind Side – Recognizing potential, transformational coaching & building an inclusive mindset.

12.  Gully Boy = Strength Finder 2.0 (book)

13.  Dead Poets Society & Freedom Writers - Teachers can be leaders shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders should be like teachers, fully invested in the growth of their employees.

14.  Forrest Gump – Being authentic.

15.  Radio - Inclusion & respect, mentor mentee is a 2 way relationship.

16.  Billy Elliott – Breaking the bounds, defining the new norm, and a game changer’s life.

17.  Good Will Hunting - Recognizing unconscious bias.

18.  The Rainmaker – Managing challenges, empathy, and integrity.

19.  2 Popes – Just take my word and watch it!

20.  Avengers – Team dynamics, team building, building an A team, leading the leaders, humble leadership, and Power of Many (book). 

I won’t be surprised if you said that’s a pretty typical list. But as I said this is my ‘go-to’/maintained list for regular boost.

Give a watch and let me know what you think. Keep in mind, I try to focus on what I learn from the movie and rest of the plot just flows around it. Don't forget to grab popcorn or a hot chocolate. Stay home to stay safe, warm and healthy. Do you have any recommendations for me?