Leadership, truth…sometimes, the mainstream media community surprises me…
A few months ago, by wife and I got rid of our cable TV. Why? We were finding that there was seldom anything on that we felt was really worthwhile watching during the fairly limited opportunities we had to watch. (Sidebar: we haven’t missed it at all!).
In addition to reading more with the time we may have watched TV, we have started to watch more DVD movies. You might guess that we’re not generally in for the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Instead, we usually head for the “road less travelled” at the video store.
A couple of days ago, Fiona came home with a movie that we didn’t recall hearing about called The Great Debaters, released on Christmas Day 2007.
Because we haven’t generally heard much about the movies that we rent, it’s always sort of an adventure to watch them – sometimes you win, other times not so much.
As we started to watch this movie though, my expectations were heightened from the very beginning when I discovered that Oprah Winfrey had co-produced it, and Denzel Washington both directed it and played the leading role (the professor).
It didn’t disappoint. Have a look at the trailer (2:30) to get a sense of what the movie’s about.
Why am I telling you about this? Here’s why:
- media has such a tremendous power to inspire, uplift and motivate. This movie is a great example of that power amidst a sea of other fluff that doesn’t. Sadly, you’re not likely to hear about the great stuff as much as the fluff;
- this movie has powerful messages about pursuing your dreams and believing in yourself and what’s possible if you try;
- the leading character is a person of strong conviction and an inspiring agent for social change. He sees the (potential) strength of character in others and gives them the space and opportunities to find their own strength…a great model for all of us in our leadership.
There is an moving dialogue between the professor and the team that becomes their mantra:
Question: Who is the judge?
Response: The judge is God.
Question: Why is he God?
Response: Because he decides who wins or loses. Not my opponent.
Question: Who is your opponent?
Response: He does not exist.
Question: Why does he not exist?
Response: Because he is a mere dissenting voice of the truth I speak!
Wow! It makes me wonder how firmly as leaders we believe in the truths that we stand for in our own leadership?
In a world of mediocrities and “whatever” thinking, what truths are we so committed to that we speak it and defend it without worrying about our opponents? Without concern for our naysayers?
Granted it’s a movie, AND, it is important to know that it is based on a true story. The passion that the team was able to speak from was firmly grounded in knowing their own truths and what mattered most to them about the way the world needed to change and what their part is making that change happen.
What are your truths about how the world needs to change? What matters most to you? What are you prepared to be passionately outspoken about? How are you speaking your truths in the world? What do you need to do today to move it forward?
Watch this movie and consider it from your own leadership in the world – it is a gem (I watched it a second time).
And as always, please tell us your thoughts below 
P.S. Click here (see Inspiration Video) for other recommended picks for high quality, inspirational movies.
