What I learned in film school

The film industry may hold a stereotype of being full of moody creatives. Of divas, wannabes and overpumped egos. And yet maybe they are the best example of collaboration there is.

We are all keen to know how to do collaboration. And how to do it well.  Even more so in this #decadeforaction. As it is crucial for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dipping into a film course as a hobby, I couldn’t help but observe it from my leadership consultant perspective.  As it was a fascinating insight into giving and letting go. And contrary to popular opinion, egoless leadership.

I am one of those people who will sit and watch the credits roll at the end of a movie.  It impresses me how many people it takes to make a movie.  There they are, listed one by one.  Numerous people of varying roles and responsibilities who have all come together. To create something more than what the individuals themselves could ever achieve alone.

Anyone of us can appreciate that movie making requires an economical and powerful creative symbiosis of pictures, sound, light, words and action.  A movie is only possible through the diversity of knowledge,  skills and expertise of all of the collaborating parties.

Each individual, from behind the scenes, to those we get to see on the screen, contributes their gifts. Whatever they may be. And then steps out of the limelight to let another build on what has been done. Each person comes with their skills, talents and aspirations. All prepared to engage in a creative process of sharing, debating and accommodating. And then of letting go and stepping back.

Such individuals are, as Lane4 writes in terms of what is required for collaborative behaviour, both assertive and cooperative.  They are confident about what they can bring to the party. And have a willingness to work with others.

Even to the extent that they are prepared to ‘kill their darlings’. Willing to sacrifice their precious attachments, whatever they are. In order to serve the bigger picture (pun so intended).

It is a poetic process of giving and letting go.

So for example, you have the screenwriter sweating over the crafting of their script. Who has to stand back to allow the Director to give their vision.

The Director in turn has still to negotiate with all the other skilled contributors.  Including the actors whose role is to breathe life into the lines. In order to mould the characters and story further.

Finally, there is the drama of the cut-throat editing process.  Where things can change in a snip.

And we know that even if we have all the ingredients in place and we have collaborated well, blockbuster success is not guaranteed.

But it sure gets us closer.

So in the spirit of improving collaboration, ask yourself what you are doing to support people to make their unique contribution?