I have an admission to make; I don’t watch a lot of T.V. I like three shows max. I love watching the Toronto Blue Jays baseball, when it is on and in season, and I really love Jeopardy, but the one show I truly love is Blue Bloods.
Blue Bloods is a show about a family of “cops” in New York ― from the police chief to those working the “beat” or the streets of the city. It has a great ensemble cast and the character development is very strong — they don’t veer too far from who they are. With all the diverse personalities they take on in the show, the characters manage to make life as a family work.
Now, you are probably wondering why I am writing about a T.V. show in a business magazine. Here is why I felt the urge to do just this thing, this month. I find there are five key leadership lessons that Blue Bloods teaches us:
1. Family Is Important
Even though their personalities clash and Danny and Erin don’t get along if he doesn’t get a “search warrant” from her office (The District Attorney’s Office), the family comes together, each Sunday for dinner. They bring their differences to the table, but also, heal their disagreements, too. Family is key; it is the anchor for them to do the work of “policing” in a challenging New York City environment.
The other key is they bring gratitude to God in their weekly coming together and give thanks before they eat. As we approach the holiday season, re-connect with the God of your choice and with family. It is important to have these anchors, in the times we are living in.
I am not suggesting getting religious, but just know there is a higher power that makes the beauty in the world. If you doubt it, then stop and think of the animal and birds, how the sun and moon shine, and when the trees grow leaves each spring!
2. The Characters Operate with Integrity
In their various roles in law enforcement, they choose wisely, and that is for the good of the people first and those they serve. They have a purpose about their work, giving meaning and wonder to what they do each week on the show. As we plan for a better 2022, how can you bring integrity, purpose, and more meaning to the work or business you run? What is your “why” for what it is you do in 2022?
3. The Characters Nurture, Support, and Respect Each Other
If you think of Frank’s (Tom Selleck) team at his Chief of Police office, it is comprised of very different people, yet they support each other and have each other’s backs. Watch how Selleck’s admin person, Baker, supports his work and allows him to do his job effectively and even with a bit more ease.
Garrett and Sid are the other two key associates in the office, too. As you watch them work, they bring support to one another to the table. Whether it is in dealing with the mayor or when one is struggling with a health, mental health, or personal issue, they work collectively with each other and have respect happening, too!
4. The Characters Keep Their Egos in Check
Yes, all characters have egos and strong personalities; however, egos do not get in the way of their work and their relationships. Their goals and doing right become central to their interactions on the job. If you watch the show, watch Danny and Baez work the beat as detectives. They will clash, but they collaborate and work well together. There is love between them ― not romantic love necessarily, but having each other’s backs kind of love.
What would your business look like if you brought a little love to the game? As you plan for 2022, how can your love for what you do, for whom you work with, and for the employees that work with you make a difference next year?
2022: A F-I-N-E Year
As we wrap up this year, make next year an “F-I-N-E” year:
F- Family and Faith
Add family and faith, clean up any messes with family, and connect to a higher power. If you stop and listen in the silence, you get direction and nudges to move forward in a super cool way.
I- Integrity
Practice integrity in what you do (purpose and meaning). Nurture those you work with, and show support and respect for your customers, team, and stakeholders. Watch what happens when you nurture those colleagues close to you. Lastly, work on dropping the ego a bit more, and focus on the bigger picture at hand and not on what you want. Be present to the big goal and not on micro-managing it.
N- Nurture
Work on leading by nurturing and supporting those you work with. Empower them to do the jobs they need to do moving forward into 2022.
E- Ego
Do you remember the old commercials, where they would yell out, “Let go of my Eggo”? This year, let go of the ego and the need to be right, and focus on the big picture and the team. You get more with many than you do with one. Plus, if you get other people working well for you, you have more time to enjoy for yourself (smiling).
Have a good holiday season, and may the new year ahead be a F-I-N-E year!
That is the law!
