Zootopia Review: Horrible Bosses 疯狂动物城的职场隐喻

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Zootopia, another Disney work. It's also one of the greatest animated movies Disney has ever produced. The story has so many levels.

Adults see political satire and race relation, young people see chasing dreams, while children see lovely animals and funny story.

As a man in HR business, I see horrible bosses.

The story is about a rabbit, Judy Hopps, who firmly believe "Anyone can be anything". She wants to become a police officer in Zootopia, finding a lot of obstacles on her way, while most of which are created by her bosses.

Horrible Boss 1: Judy's Parents

In real life, you can hardly find nice and caring bosses like your parents. Judy's parents care about Judy, even though they do not like Judy's idea about becoming the first rabbit police officer.

In real life, we do meet bosses with similar attitude toward innovation and new ideas. They prefer following routine instead of trying something new. Their motto is Never take risk. mostly they do not care about the career development for their talents, because they hope everything can remain the same.

Leaders must realize, refusing change and innovation will only push your talent (esp. Generation X) away. According to Mercer talent survey, THE NO.1 benefit employee under 35 really value is career development. Stop your talent from pursueing their career goals is the last method for you to retain them.

A decent leader should have frequent coversation (NOT annually or quarterly) with his/her team members to find out what their current status, and what they plan to do in next 2-5 years. And then take solid action to support them realizing their dream.

Horrible Boss 2: Drill Instructor Polar Bear

Polar bear was the drill instructor of Judy when Judy was trained in the police academy. Her way of encouragement is pretty interesting. When Judy had some difficulties in either physical or wrestling trainings, Auntie polar bear could always “pump Judy up” as soon as possible by simply saying “ You are dead” , even when she was in bathroom.

In a sense, Judy is a miracle graduating from the police school safe and sound. It is hard to imagine that anyone except Judy, the rabbit who has a really determined mind, could survive through all these tough drills and poisonous encouragements from polar bear.

Likewise, Chief Bogo in the police department has his unique way of “encouragement”. He skipped the introduction for new comers because “I don’t care”. Judy managed to hold back her anger but Nick, the eloquent fox, pointed out directly: that’s a really special way to encourage your employees.

Chief Bogo is also a figure worth discussion. We’ll leave a whole section for him in the article.

Films and TV dramas tend to shape characters who has a sharp tongue but a really tender and sweet heart inside (well, that’s enough, stop hiding your tender part). However, according to many researches, employees value the leaders’ ability to encourage and inspire them. In real-life work, employee communication plays a critical role. If you appreciate your employees and are trying to treat them well, please do make sure they KNOW it, otherwise all your efforts would be ignored by your employee.

Horrible Boss 3: Chief Bogo

Chief Bogo is nice guy. How do I know? Well, according to the director, Bogo seems tough, but he is actually very kind.

Of course, sharp tongue with a nice heart Chief Bogo has more than this fault. As Judy’s supervisor, He refused to empower Judy, nor offer guide and support her…

His biggest problem is labelling and judging others by prejudice. Here is a line from him to Judy, quoted originally from the film:

Life isn’t some cartoon musical where you sing a little song and your insipid dreams magically come true. So let it go.

Key message: Bunny can’t do police work.

Again thanks to Judy's "don't know when to quit" attitude, she survive and prove as a bunny, she can do police work.

Yes, Bogo gave Judy a chance to finish a task within 48 hours, didn’t entrap her and changed his attitude quickly after Judy proved herself .

Well, he may be a good guy, but never a good leader.

Horrible Boss 4: Mayor Lionheart

There is no doubt that Leodore Lionheart is the worst learder in the film.

Yes, he is trying to build Zootopia into a city where "Anyone can be anything", Thanks to which, Judy got the chance to become a police officer. But by making that decision, he clearly has not had a proper conversation with Chief Bogo.

He is often accompanied by his deputy mayor, Bellwether, whom he treats more along the lines of a stooge, despite the hefty amount of work she puts into running the city—efforts that are usually added to Lionheart's credits.

He is strictly intolerable of incompetence, especially during urgent matters. When angered, Lionheart becomes a fierce and imposing figure, which makes him a feared individual to those who work closely enough with him to witness this side.

As Bellwether describe, she has not been given any important work, before she helps Judy get the surveillance video.

His gift to Bellwether

Horrible Boss 5: Bellwether

Fairly speaking, Bellwether is a nice boss to Judy. As a friend of Judy in the government, she spared Judy from being dismissed and helped Judy get the first decent assignment before Judy was almost fired by Bogo.

When Judy and Nick needed to probe into the case, she got them the important surveillance video with her resources.

What is more, she appointed Judy as the Ambassador for the police force as soon as she was officially in term.

And then, Judy quits.

The key reason, as Judy mentioned, is to unite all animals rather than to split them into two social groups, while Bellwether keep saying "we prey should look after each other."

Interestingly, Mercer in our latest survey finds out that: For years, the employee value proposition has been predicated on the notion that engaged, happy employees are more productive, committed and loyal. Today, however, this equation is changing. Nearly two in five US workers are seriously considering leaving their jobs at the present time, and this includes many who are satisfied with their jobs, organizations, pay, benefits and other aspects of work.

This might be the future trend of retaining talents: It is not enough that employer trust employee, support employee, help employee grow and empower employee.

Employee is more likely to stay if they appreciate the corporate culture.

In the end, let me share a popular picture, as a leader/manager, have we achieved to offer these items to our employee?

(All pictures from Internet except one from Mercer, Thanks Disney for the great work)