Have Fun Storming the Castle!

If you have not watched The Princess Bride (1987), do so soon. 

The story has many hidden messages for the young and old alike. I would like to share with you my lessons learned from my “favorites” of this classic film.

Best one liner:  Be yourself

Funny, my favorite line in the movie is from the character who says the least. The gentle giant, Fezzik, tells us “People in masks are not to be trusted”. If your personality, your unique view of the world, isn’t expressed in your position, no one is going to fully believe you. Some may never trust you. The most important thing about your job is you. You must bring the “unique you” to the role. Don’t try to be or act like someone else. Don’t hide behind another’s ideas. Stand out with no mask on. 

Favorite dialogue: Keep ‘em guessing

My favorite conversation in the movie is when Inigo and the Man in Black are engaged in a mighty duel.

Man in Black (Roberts/Westley): “Why are you smiling?”

Inigo Montoya: “I know something you don’t know!”

Man in Black: “And what is that?”

Inigo: “I am not left-handed!”

The inspiration within this exchange lies at the center of successful business conversations.  Don’t give away the farm in the first sentence.  Listen, think, engage. 

Favorite acronym: R.O.U.S.

When Westley and Buttercup go storming into the Fire Swamp, they truly fear that they won’t make it out alive. Our jobs can seem just like a file swamp some days. Make difficult, challenging decisions without fear, and charge ahead on the strategic paths your leadership sets with gusto. Even if you doubt yourself, don’t give up.  Work through every challenge, put out every fire.  And remember, every organization has a few Rodents Of Unusual Size (ROUS).  And some more than others.  

Best theme -- It’s not what you say -- okay okay… you’ve heard this a million times—it’s how you say it.

It is not the words we use, but the emotion we evoke. Please put energy behind your work. Be passionate.  When in a healthy debate, state your facts and evidence based data with conviction.  Most important, be confident. The villains of the world sense your fear and pray on it. The 3 C’s of effective communication:  Confidence, conviction and charisma. Soon, all those around you will answer  “….as you wish!”

Best advice--Assemble a strong team

Westley needs Inigo and Fezzik to rescue him and revive him from his tortuous experiences. They need him to find the Six Fingered Man. They worked well synergistically because they complemented each other. Find people to be on your team who complement you. Where you have bad habits, find someone who fills in those gaps. If you are really weak in an area, work with someone who is extremely strong in it. A well-rounded, functional team will almost always win the day.

Best Word:

 I learned many valuable lessons from the movie, especially the fact that I do not use the word “inconceivable” in my conversations near enough.    

Sum it up

Fight for what you believe in, even if the odds are against you.  Storm the competition.