The Emotion of Reality Television
Posted by Courtney Acuff | April 12, 2010
I try really really hard on Sunday’s not to think about work, at all. It’s my day for sleeping in, Yoga and catching up on the DVR. It is also the only night that I actually watch television programing in close to real-time. I’m a die hard Amazing Race fan and literally get a little sick to my stomach with anticipation of each new episode.
That is important to know only because it so happens that I extended the record time on Amazing Race this season and have by default, also been recoding and watching Undercover Boss. Now before you judge, please take solace in the fact that I’m not an American Idol fan. My reality television viewing has only included two shows up till now (Deadliest Catch premiers tomorrow night, don’t miss it!). That said, I failed miserably last night at separating church and state by finding inspiration and crying real tears while watching the final episode of the season of Undercover Boss–now you can judge.
I might just be getting more emotional now that I’m closer to 35 than 30 but I actually paused, got up and took pen to paper to make notes though my tears as the last 10 minutes of the show played on. While I have watched every episode of the short season, there was something different about last night’s show for me. I’ll spare you the whole recap but for those of us who manage talent or are looking to inspire those who work around us, the message last night was that a little recognition goes a long way.
While not all of us can go “undercover” in our own organizations, we can take the time to get involved in more of the day-to-day to better understand the contributions and frustrations that are going on behind the scenes. Listening shouldn’t be something we only do via dashboards but rather an activity that we proactively engage in face-to-face.
I for one am no longer going to underestimate the power of a simple, “job well done.” Recognition based in actual accomplishment or illustrations of character can’t be faked or forced. It could happen through a new take on the mentor/mentee relationship or may start by being more thoughtful of those around you; hopefully creating more meaningful relationships in the process. I may not be empowered to name a flower arrangement after Dee at 1800-Flowers but I certainly can and will make sure that those who help drive the business I lead know that I couldn’t do it without them.
