This Week I Learned -- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Live From New York: It’s Saturday Night!

Getting emails in the middle of a workday is normal, getting an email to see I just won tickets to see "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) live, with Kristen Wiig hosting her 5 Timer episode, was one of the great moments in work email history. Growing up, SNL was always a highlight of my week. I loved quoting iconic sketches like "Celebrity Jeopardy," insisting on more cowbell, and warning friends about the dire fate of living "in a van down by the river."

Upon arrival, the SNL experience starts with a vibrant, club-like lobby where iconic images from previous shows adorn the walls, drinks flow freely, and fans mingle eagerly before showtime. Inside Studio 8H, the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation. Once we all get seated inside the studio, Michael Che comes in and warms up the crowd.? Then the real magic happens. As the show unfolds, the studio transforms into a whirlwind of activity with over a hundred staff dressed in black, orchestrating the seamless flow of sketches. Each set piece and prop is meticulously arranged, ready for quick changes that are largely unnoticed by the audience. While big names like Will Forte, Jon Hamm, and Kristen Wiig dazzle on stage, an unseen army of professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to make each transition and skit appear effortless.

Why This Matters to SMBs

You might wonder why a newsletter about SMBs is discussing SNL. The answer lies in the behind-the-scenes orchestration at SNL, which mirrors the critical yet often overlooked roles within any small or medium-sized business. Every successful SMB, much like SNL, relies on a team that, while not always in the spotlight, is essential to the business's operations.

Consider the receptionist at Stokes Counseling, akin to Michael Che's role at SNL. They set the initial tone for clients, creating a welcoming and comforting atmosphere Behind them, there are numerous others whose work is critical yet largely invisible. These include the billing specialists who seamlessly handle finances, administrative staff who manage client records, janitors who ensure the building is professional and tidy, and IT personnel who ensure that the digital aspects of the business run without a hitch. These individuals are the backbone of their organizations, ensuring that the main performers, be they comedians on stage or clinicians in a counseling center, can do their jobs effectively.

The Importance of Process and Coordination

The meticulous planning and coordination that make SNL a seamless spectacle begin with Monday’s pitch meeting in Lorne Michaels' office and continues through a week of rigorous scheduling. Each team member knows their role and timing, which is critical for the live performance's success. This disciplined approach to role clarity and procedural adherence is something SMBs can emulate to enhance their operations. Implementing clear processes and fostering a proactive workplace culture ensures that businesses run as smoothly as a live SNL show and also unsures the team can manage the unexpected situations that pop up in the workplace or on the set.

In both settings, these individuals ensure that the main performers—whether comedians on SNL or clinicians at a counseling center—can do their jobs effectively. SNL’s success stems from a diverse array of roles: writers burning the midnight oil, costume designers making last-minute adjustments, and technical teams ensuring flawless audio-visual execution. Specialized crew members manage complex aerial stunts and quick costume changes, highlighting the depth of expertise that live television demands. This extensive collaboration exemplifies why every role, no matter how small it may seem, is crucial to the overall performance. At Stokes, the admin team handles the complexities of scheduling, the nuances of client interactions, and the essential but often tedious tasks that keep the business running smoothly. Their work, while not always seen, is what enables the stars to shine and the business to succeed.

Learning from my SNL experience, it's clear that making something extraordinary look effortless requires acknowledging and valuing every part of the team, especially those behind the scenes. Just like in show business, where seamless productions are made possible by countless unsung heroes, every SMB functions due to the dedication of individuals who might not receive applause but are indispensable to the organization's success. This recognition is crucial not only for maintaining morale but also for fostering a culture of appreciation that permeates every level of the business.

SNL's appreciation for its crew is evident in various initiatives, such as the dedicated @snlCAP social media account that highlighted the roles and contributions of crew members, creating opportunities for fans and the public to recognize the efforts behind each episode. Often hosts who got their start at SNL go out of their way to give shoutouts during dress rehearsals to the people behind the scenes. That said, I’d love to do a survey of past crew members to see how they feel about their experience. Did they leave sooner than they otherwise would have because they felt unappreciated? Only those who’ve been in the room will know.

As it turns out, both in the dazzle of show business and the daily grind of SMB operations, it's the people behind the scenes who truly make the magic happen. Those who are not in the limelight are indispensable to the success of both a live show and a business. This realization from my SNL experience underscores the need for every organization to acknowledge and appreciate the entire team. Just as SNL’s seamless productions are made possible by countless unsung heroes, every SMB thrives thanks to the dedication of individuals who might not receive applause but are essential to the business’s success. Let's remember to appreciate and value these vital contributors, for there is no show—and indeed no business—without them.