Movies could stir your career goals
Dec 16, 2008
OFFICE TALK<br><br>Sometimes a film can make you see your career or job search in a different light and Lead you to action. Since it is a holiday season, what better way to get insights on how to improve your career progress than watching one of these:
OFFICE TALK
Fred Ouma
Sometimes a film can make you see your career or job search in a different light and Lead you to action. Since it is a holiday season, what better way to get insights on how to improve your career progress than watching one of these:
The Great Debaters (2007)
“We do what we have to do so we can do what we want to do.†That is the mantra heard throughout the stirring drama, The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington is Inspired by a true story. The movie depicts what those who smash racial barriers must face. With the backdrop of competitive team debates, the film explores issues such as social justice, civil disobedience and workers rights, without feeling static or preachy.
The real tale of the unlikely ascendance of the debate team from all-black Wiley College in Marshall, Texas against the Harvard debate team in Boston (the historic debate was actually against the reigning champions, the University of Southern California debate team), follows the template of countless sports movies:
Perseverance and teamwork lead to glory.
All the President’s Men (1976)
Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) know they have got a big story in Watergate. Unfortunately, they are the only ones who seem to know it. This story of single-minded pursuit of the truth can help you stay the course when times get tough during your search for opportunity.
To Sir, With Love (1967)
Mark Thackery (Sidney Poitier) is an unemployed engineer, who takes a public school teaching job as he continues to search for one in his field.
But the refined and cool-headed gentleman isn’t prepared for the rowdy group of dirty delinquents he meets on his first day of class.
Demanding common courtesy and respect among his pupils is only the first step. His battles also extend beyond the classroom to the narrow-minded school administrators.
Facing numerous racial slurs and backhanded comments by disgruntled fellow teachers and misguided parents, the cultured and world-travelled educator’s most valuable teaching tool is his personal example of someone who has risen above social stereotypes. While everyone doesn’t respond to his efforts, Poitier remains vigilant in his attempts to make positive changes. Could this be your focus in life?
Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980) Country singing star Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) comes from a less-than-modest means to become the pride of Nashville.
Success was not without a price though, and Lynn suffered through heartaches, illnesses, losses, and a nervous breakdowns. Despite these setbacks, her career survived and her frank, feminist songs remain influential to this day. This film is a great reminder that when you are down, there is only one way to go.
Elizabeth (1997)
Elizabeth I ruled England for more than 40 years, a time known as the Golden Age. But when she first ascended to the throne, she was just 25 and lacked any experience governing a divided nation on the brink of ruin.
She stepped up and kept her head (figuratively and literally), learning to trust her instincts and manipulate her image. Even if you do not think you are ready, seize every opportunity when it arises.
Coach Carter (2005)
When Californian school coach Ken Carter refused to let his undefeated basketball team compete until they bettered their grades, he made headlines across America.
Now his principled stand gets the Hollywood treatment in Coach Carter, a sleek high-school sports story that balances the usual clichés with an unusually sophisticated, pro-education message.
Think of Dead Poets Society with a basketball hoop and you’ll know the score in Thomas Carter’s predictable but enjoyable melodrama which gifts Samuel L Jackson.
In a season of drunks and doomed athletes, Coach Carter provokes thought, laughter and empathy. As he assures his players, he’s been there before.
So, for that matter, do we share in his experince?
Field of Dreams (1989)
Thinking about opening your own business? If you build it, they will come! Similar words haunted and inspired Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner). when he built a baseball diamond in his cornfield.
A lot of folks thought Ray was crazy and you may hear similar reactions, but if you believe in yourself, your venture may yield similar feel-good results.
Invincible (2006)
You are never too old or too amateur to pursue your professional dreams. Based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a 30-year-old, down-on-his-luck bartender, who turns an open tryout into a football career with the Philadelphia Eagles, “Invincible†is guaranteed to put a lump in your throat and a fire in your belly to follow your dreams.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey (James Stewart) wanted to be anything. He was going to see the world and have adventures.
Fred Ouma
Sometimes a film can make you see your career or job search in a different light and Lead you to action. Since it is a holiday season, what better way to get insights on how to improve your career progress than watching one of these:
The Great Debaters (2007)
“We do what we have to do so we can do what we want to do.†That is the mantra heard throughout the stirring drama, The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington is Inspired by a true story. The movie depicts what those who smash racial barriers must face. With the backdrop of competitive team debates, the film explores issues such as social justice, civil disobedience and workers rights, without feeling static or preachy.
The real tale of the unlikely ascendance of the debate team from all-black Wiley College in Marshall, Texas against the Harvard debate team in Boston (the historic debate was actually against the reigning champions, the University of Southern California debate team), follows the template of countless sports movies:
Perseverance and teamwork lead to glory.
All the President’s Men (1976)
Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) know they have got a big story in Watergate. Unfortunately, they are the only ones who seem to know it. This story of single-minded pursuit of the truth can help you stay the course when times get tough during your search for opportunity.
To Sir, With Love (1967)
Mark Thackery (Sidney Poitier) is an unemployed engineer, who takes a public school teaching job as he continues to search for one in his field.
But the refined and cool-headed gentleman isn’t prepared for the rowdy group of dirty delinquents he meets on his first day of class.
Demanding common courtesy and respect among his pupils is only the first step. His battles also extend beyond the classroom to the narrow-minded school administrators.
Facing numerous racial slurs and backhanded comments by disgruntled fellow teachers and misguided parents, the cultured and world-travelled educator’s most valuable teaching tool is his personal example of someone who has risen above social stereotypes. While everyone doesn’t respond to his efforts, Poitier remains vigilant in his attempts to make positive changes. Could this be your focus in life?
Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980) Country singing star Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) comes from a less-than-modest means to become the pride of Nashville.
Success was not without a price though, and Lynn suffered through heartaches, illnesses, losses, and a nervous breakdowns. Despite these setbacks, her career survived and her frank, feminist songs remain influential to this day. This film is a great reminder that when you are down, there is only one way to go.
Elizabeth (1997)
Elizabeth I ruled England for more than 40 years, a time known as the Golden Age. But when she first ascended to the throne, she was just 25 and lacked any experience governing a divided nation on the brink of ruin.
She stepped up and kept her head (figuratively and literally), learning to trust her instincts and manipulate her image. Even if you do not think you are ready, seize every opportunity when it arises.
Coach Carter (2005)
When Californian school coach Ken Carter refused to let his undefeated basketball team compete until they bettered their grades, he made headlines across America.
Now his principled stand gets the Hollywood treatment in Coach Carter, a sleek high-school sports story that balances the usual clichés with an unusually sophisticated, pro-education message.
Think of Dead Poets Society with a basketball hoop and you’ll know the score in Thomas Carter’s predictable but enjoyable melodrama which gifts Samuel L Jackson.
In a season of drunks and doomed athletes, Coach Carter provokes thought, laughter and empathy. As he assures his players, he’s been there before.
So, for that matter, do we share in his experince?
Field of Dreams (1989)
Thinking about opening your own business? If you build it, they will come! Similar words haunted and inspired Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner). when he built a baseball diamond in his cornfield.
A lot of folks thought Ray was crazy and you may hear similar reactions, but if you believe in yourself, your venture may yield similar feel-good results.
Invincible (2006)
You are never too old or too amateur to pursue your professional dreams. Based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a 30-year-old, down-on-his-luck bartender, who turns an open tryout into a football career with the Philadelphia Eagles, “Invincible†is guaranteed to put a lump in your throat and a fire in your belly to follow your dreams.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey (James Stewart) wanted to be anything. He was going to see the world and have adventures.