A Winning Spirit in '24
As we head toward 2024, here are some thoughts on the winning spirit:
AFDI - Actually Fu—ing Doing It: This phrase emphasizes the importance of delivering on promises rather than simply talking about them. It also highlights the distinction between taking care of business and merely talking about taking care of it. Being fast, responsive, and operating at the speed of 2024 is essential in the media/entertainment industry, which often falls short in this aspect. Consistently successful individuals embody the AFDI mentality in their DNA.
Then there’s:
Passion-Character-Muscle:
Passion: Fans recognize when someone is driven by genuine passion rather than chasing quick profits or following trends.
Character: It's about exuding authenticity and uniqueness rather than being generic.
Muscle: Flexing your strengths.
High IQ/Low BS: Hiring intelligent individuals with zero tolerance for attitude, drama, or unnecessary complexity.
Aptitude: Aptitude plays a crucial role. Some exceptionally brilliant people may lack the specific aptitude required for our work. For example, Einstein might not excel as a voice artist but would be awesome on the tech team. Each team member needs to possess the specific aptitude for their role.
No One Cares What You Did, It's What You Are Going to Do: In the media/entertainment industry, dwelling on past achievements is counterproductive. Launching new programming concepts requires focusing on the future and the aptitude for what's next, rather than relying on track records.
Controlled Insanity: Great ideas often deviate from the norm and may seem insane. However, the key is to organize, focus, and control the insanity to ensure effective execution.
Creative by Committee: While a small group of advisors and collaborators can provide valuable input, relying on large committees often leads to unnecessary delays and overthinking. Quick conference calls and efficient meetings are essential. We prioritize execution over extensive debates. We're not in Washington.
First Program, Then Sell: This approach involves creating groundbreaking programming that drives the brand, rather than designing content solely for sales or technology. While revenue is important, it is generated by first creating exceptional programming rather than using it as a means to sell products.
Content Sucks: Internally, we avoid using the word "content" as it reduces creativity to a mere commodity. While we may have to use it externally, we recognize the importance of elevating our work beyond generic terms.
Average Sucks: We strive to avoid mediocrity. Whether it's a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cool dive, uniqueness and character define our battles.
Bullshit Bingo: This refers to situations where speakers rely on buzzwords to mask a lack of knowledge or provide irrelevant details. It often occurs in business meetings with guest speakers or executives who use jargon. Buzzword bingo cards can be created to playfully identify these situations.
The Technology Excuse: While technology is crucial for survival, it should not overshadow other essential aspects of the company. For example, in the music industry, having state-of-the-art sound is meaningless if the song itself is not great. Technology is a given, but it should not be an excuse to underplay other crucial elements. “Let AI do it” is real but WHAT it does is under our control.
Completeness: Every aspect of the company, from the receptionist answering the phone to the core mission, should operate at a level of excellence and commitment. It's about achieving 150% in every area, ensuring a 360-degree approach.
Eccentric…All the Way to the Bank: In the realm of new ideas, embracing eccentricity can be a powerful force if channeled correctly. While eccentricity may not be desirable in professions like surgery or law enforcement, it can fuel innovation and creativity when building new concepts.
Preach and Teach...to Reach: Teaching, guiding, and mentoring are lost arts that we value. Inspiring and leading by example is not achieved through osmosis; it requires active teaching and enabling others to grow.
Think Over the Horizon to Travel There: This mindset encourages forward-thinking and envisioning the future in order to navigate and shape it. By looking beyond the present, we can proactively chart our course and embrace new opportunities.