Classic line from a classic movie isn’t it? Hey, who’s the pig? They call me MR PIG!! I am not sure why that clip popped into my head this morning but there is a little message embedded that I feel applies to our professional atmosphere. Let me tell you why.
As a result of how most companies are structured, those who are at a higher level can come across as condescending to those whom they oversee. On the flip side we may be at an entry-level position and not really carry the self-esteem we should have to be productive. So the question is how do we view our fellow team members and how do we view ourselves. When we first think of pigs what do we think of besides bacon? Dirty smelly animals that love the mud and leftovers is our typical reaction. However, Pumba saw himself differently. He was not just a pig he was MR PIG. Got to love it!
So it’s not just I am a leasing professional, it’s THEY CALL ME MRS LEASING PROFESSIONAL. It’s not just I’m the groundskeeper, it’s THEY CALL ME MR GROUNDSKEEPER. I know I am probably going to get professionally slapped all over the place for using a Lion King clip for teaching purposes but hey that is how my brain operates. You can either love me or hate me. 🙂
When it comes to emotional intelligence and overall leadership it starts with how we view ourselves and how we view others. It’s the little things that count. How we greet each other. How we address each other in conversation. How we react when things go wrong. We have many opportunities in each business day to extend dignity to our team members. Are we looking for those opportunities?
Bonus clip below to bring back some memories. My son was two when this came out so it pretty well was the only movie that was ever played at home. Back to the post now. If you have any thoughts or processes you use to help keep your head held high or your teams please share them in the comments below. If you want to comment about something completely different feel free! Thanks everyone!
So close to my favorite lines… which happen to be “Let me out, let me out! Let me in, let me in!”
So many classic lines in this movie. Â My kids went to see the 3-D version that came out recently
Jonathan,
You said we could talk about anything, right? Ok, here you go.
First, of all the farm animals that I have raised: sheep, a jersey cow, ducks, bunnies, and pigs…the pigs are the cleanest of all. They like to play in the mud to cool off, as they don’t really have sweat glands. But when evening comes, they come into their barn stall and rub against the wall of the stall to remove all of the dried mud. They always divided their stall into three distinct areas: eating, sleeping and relieving themselves. Very tidy and easy to care for.
Second, do they call you “Mrs. Leasing Professional” or “Mr. Leasing Professional”?
Finally, I always thought that this line from The Lion King was a take-off or play on a line from the the the 1967 five Academy Award winning movie “In the Heat of the Night”, and which was the name of the 1970 sequel “They Call Me Mr. Tibbs!”. Maybe I am crazy!!!
One more thing, Daniel Goleman’s “Emotional Intelligence” is a great book to give to your team members. Something for eveyone to learn and apply throughout their life. Daniel Goleman was my husband’s classmate Amherst ’68! (You said talk about anything!)
Thanks for the fun…
Judy
Wow- I learned so much about pigs! I love it! Thanks for the book tip I will have to look that up. I love free for all comments for posts like this. It adds to the fun! Regarding the leasing pro..I don’t think I qualify for either title 🙂
Thanks for sharing your coolness Judy!