Work Lessons From Training Day

I was out of the habit of seeing movies in theaters when Training Day was released. Travel seemed to replace my constant moviegoing. Not only were movies derivative, the coming attractions started looking the same.

Training is my forte. The origins can be traced back to a certain baby I might have mentioned. Training new employees gave me purpose and many found their way when I gave them a chance.

The "Training Day" in this film is not a "Sink or swim" scenario. That is a bad training technique because most will say "Forget it" and leave the company.

Don't Go To Roll Call

That was how Hill Street Blues began every week. That set up the episode. L.A. Law began with a meeting to explain the case that would magically be wrapped up by the end of the episode. ER did not have meetings. NBC owned Thursday night at ten-nine central- for nearly thirty years.

You Never Know What To Expect in a New Position

Jake probably thought he would catch some criminals in the act and make some arrests. Alonzo was far into his own world and it was an especially noteworthy day.

To Alonzo (Denzel Washington) he was doing his job or what his job became. Jake (Ethan Hawke) had no idea what he was getting into. He wanted to "Protect and Serve."

You Can Bend the Rules When You Have Success

I saw this film soon after what was my longest tenured and most successful position concluded. There were similarities regarding how I did well and fooled around on delivery. It's not like I hung out with people and drank top shelf liquor.

Alonzo drinks all day and functions. It is interesting they show his mistress and he never visits his wife. He puts many criminals behind bars so he justifies everything he does on company time.

On the next successful position I fell into habits that were not good for the company. I made a lot of money for that company and my supervisor did not rein me in. Sometimes he did. My current position has success and there are no rules to bend.

It's Not What You Know, It's What You Can Prove

I have twisted a couple stories to fit a narrative. Some who might have committed suicide are mentioned as overdosing accidentally. I wasn't there. They might have forgotten when they took their medication and an extra dose. Currently I don't know anyone like that.

Beware of any employer who creates stories about you. I have been on the wrong end of smear campaigns. Never from anyone rational or reasonable.

Get Out of the Predicament

Seeing Jake on the RTD- he was left in a shady part of town. It was a long day. The sun was an important part of the narrative. This movie predates 24; at least it was made before that show premiered. It feels like a full day passes. The movie is fast paced.

People Will Come Around To You

Alonzo has unholy alliances with many. They give information and he lets them deal or whatever misdemeanor they use in the hidden job market. Cle Shaheed Sloan plays a gang member. You probably did not know his name and recognize his character. He was a gang member in real life.

Dennis Farina was a Chicago police officer and realized he could play a police officer in movies and television shows for more money and less hazards. "Bone" Sloan plays his role well and Jake earns his respect.

Meanwhile, Alonzo shoots off his mouth and no one is afraid of him.

One Role Can Change Perception

With the bad luck of seeing Reality Bites- that movie was so awful Kurt Cobain survived a drug overdose, saw this and- never mind. Now is not the time to create stories.

Had I seen Before Sunrise my perception of Ethan Hawke would have been entirely different. I wouldn't mind seeing a fourth outing in that accidental franchise. He plays this role very well.

He was nominated. Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for his portrayal. It was a different role that captured the essence of the actor. I refer to this movie frequently.

Bend the Rules Within Reason

Alonzo probably started out a good cop. He had results and relied too much on others who would cover for him. Don't go too far off the deep end. It never ends well even if there is progress in the beginning.