The realities of “reality” television

It’s a very interesting turn of events in the world of entertainment.  “Reality” programming has taken the lead on presenting a compelling business argument for advertisers.  First, the cost of production is much, much less than for scripted storylines. You need a willing cast of amateurs, who fight each other to participate.  You need a soundstage.  You need cheap locations that require little if any modification.  You don’t need special effects, expensive stunts or big name stars who demand huge paychecks. You just need people who are willing to sell their dreams and fears to the public, in public.

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When is a chair like a saint?

Sounds like an elementary school yard riddle, doesn’t it?  If you’re a board member, you’ll immediately know the answer.  Being the board chair is, like Caesar would put it, being first among equals.  The board Chair has the challenging task of guiding the directors of an organization towards cohesive fulfillment of fiduciary responsibilities, with no authority or weighted influence on the votes other than that which the Chair can elicit voluntarily from the other directors.  Even including unethical or illegal behavior on the part of another director, the Chair cannot individually act to affect the status of any other director.  All actions of the board are collective, based upon the will of a majority of directors according to our established system of business democracy.  So without differential authority, is the role of the Chair really one of material impact on an organization?

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Ever lose a friend?

I recently did.

It wasn’t due to cancer, at least not the physiological kind.  It wasn’t an accident.  No one died.  The friendship ended, not the lives concerned.  The culprit was being in business together.

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Can you practice to be authentic?

What a great question.  Marla had been struggling with preparing for a tough confrontation, and she was intent upon being absolutely honest.  Marla wanted to be authentic.  But I had advised her to write out her message, rehearse it, even role play with someone, before she sat down to talk to her antagonist.  While she agreed that preparation was important, she began to feel false as she practiced her script.

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