Creativity in NetWorking

Being a Director

Has anyone said a few words to you that made a big difference in how you did something or even a difference in how you lead your life? Have your words had a similar effect on someone else?

In the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus, Rowena Morgan played by Jean Louisa Kelly is being auditioned by Mr. Holland, Richard Dreyfuss, for singing the song "Someone to Watch Over Me", a George Gershwin song from the play Crazy for Me. After Rowena’s first try at the song, Mr. Holland approaches her on the stage and says "I want to ask you a question, What do you think the girl is really feeling here?" Rowena replies "I don’t know." Mr. Holland replies "You have to know or you can’t sing it. This song is wistful, Ms. Morgan. It’s about a woman who is alone in a very very cold world and all she wants more than anything is to have someone to hold her close and to tell her that everything is going to be alright. It’s about the need for love in your "gut."

After Mr. Holland’s coaching. Rowena sings the song wistfully and with the "gut" feeling of what the girl felt. Mr. Holland’s words are an example of the powerful effect someone can have over you or your words can have over someone else. The power comes mostly from the person speaking the words – examples are a parent, a teacher, a boss, a religious leader, a movie director, a friend, or someone you’re networking with. Certain people may have more of an effect on you. Mr. Holland’s words were particularly helpful because of the student’s trust in his direction and respect for his advice. Think of yourself as a director or coach while networking. You never know what words you will say that may change the direction of a person’s life.

When I was leading All Thinks Considered, a group promoting creativity at the Rohm and Haas Company, I was struggling with what executives to involve in our work. A colleague who worked in a creative group at 3M Company advised me to "go where the energy is." This one statement energized me to approach the best people. With the approach of going where the energy is, I made things happen for the company that would never have happened. For example, I got approval for a world class speaker in creativity to speak at our site.

There is another lesson applying to networking rippling through Mr. Holland’s words. It’s to listen deeply to someone’s words and capture their emotion. As in the song, if you know what someone is feeling, you can network with him or her better.

Open new worlds by tuning into your creative energy!

Harvey Mathason is President of TBD Enterprises, a company providing presentations in creativity to companies, organizations, schools and in private sessions. See his website for other workshop offerings. Harvey is a coauthor for the EBook Abundant Magical Lives, Insights For Passionate People. Read his article, "Nurturing the Flower of Creativity" as well as many other articles by passionate people at www.TAPenergetics.com See inspired stories.

Contact information:
Phone Number: (215) 752-5117
EMail Address: HMathason@aol.com
Website: www.trainingbydesign4u.com

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