What True Life Lessons Can We Learn From James Bond?
When I was eight years old, my father took me to see my first James Bond movie, Live and Let Die. I loved the movie and from that day forward became a lifelong fan.
Whenever possible, I’ve found opportunities to have those fictional stories play out in my real life. Four years ago, I bought a Sunbeam Alpine. That may not mean a lot to you unless you’re a British Car fan; however, the Alpine was the first James Bond car. It is not the well-known Aston Martin that’s become so closely associated with these films. In fact, if you want to get really technical, the original Bond car is the Bentley; it’s featured prominently in the original Ian Fleming novels.
Anyway, you can see the first ever car chase in Dr. No where Sean Connery, in his original outing as Bond is driving my car. Or am I driving his? I traded that car last summer for a BMW Z4, the post-cursor to the Z3 that Pierce Brosnan drove in his first outing as Bond in Goldeneye. Why the trade? Trying to keep that beautiful but temperamental 50 year old car running was tough when you don’t have Q branch at your disposal.
For my Dad and I, those movies became a source of bonding (excuse the pun!) Dad and I shared this joke that if you put on a piece of clothing and couldn’t stop smiling at your reflection, it was a keeper. You had found your true James Bond outfit. I remember my Dad taking me to Fleets in Philadelphia when it was time to get my Bar Mitzvah suit. Dad had to get fitted for his as well. He walked out of the dressing room grinning ear to ear and said “Tell me I don’t look like Roger Moore!” He did in my eyes.
The truth is that while those movies are a place of magical escapism, there are several real life lessons we can learn from watching our favorite James Bond films. Whether you’re a fan or not, here are a few I’ve identified that can serve you well:
Keep Your Introductions Short and To The Point: Bond, James Bond. Is there any introduction more well known in the free world? And is there any as short and to the point that delivers such absolute clarity? Talk about your Elevator Speeches! This one takes the cake.
Always Dress Your Best: I’ve seen all 25 James Bond movies and there’s a tuxedo scene in every one of them. Why? Because no matter which of the six actors has played 007, they all looked super sharp in a tuxedo.
So am I suggesting you walk around in a tux? Or for women, that you wear the equivalent? Of course not! But hey dressing to impress? It certainly can’t ever hurt!
I remember landing my first job out of college wearing my first ever blue pin-striped suit similar to the one Timothy Dalton was sporting in The Living Daylights. That job interview and the movie took place in 1987 though I’m not sure which I was more excited about. But I looked the part and walked just a bit taller in that suit. As I’ve gone through life, looking and feeling my best has always put some extra spring in my step.
Treat Everyone In An Organization Like Gold (not Goldfinger): As you may know, there are several characters which have appeared in every movie (with different actors of course). There’s M, Bond’s crotchety old boss from MI6. Q is the one who creates those cool gadgets. Perhaps most lovable and enduring is Ms. Moneypenny, M’s faithful assistant who is hopelessly smitten with Bond. Throughout these movies, he has a playfully romantic relationship with Ms. Moneypenny. At the same time, he is always respectful of her and treats her with kindness and consideration.
That relationship and Moneypenny’s understanding of Bond’s nature proves invaluable at different moments in the films. Perhaps the most memorable occasion comes about in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. That’s the one where George Lazenby takes over the role for just one film.
Bond is quite frustrated that M has removed him from an assignment (capturing Blofeld for the diehards among you). Anyway, he hastily dictates his resignation letter to Moneypenny so she can relay it to M. Knowing he really doesn’t want to quit, she secretly rewrites it as a request for a two week vacation (or a fortnight’s leave using the proper English). Bond is quite relieved when he learns what she did and notes “What would I do without you?”
I’ve also found that treating everyone like gold in any organization to be not just smart. It’s simply the right thing to do. In our working lives, it’s often critical to reach a decision maker. Most of these folks have a valued assistant like Ms. Moneypenny known as the gatekeeper. Professionals who try to trick, use subterfuge or disrespect gatekeepers may win a few battles but they rarely, if ever, win for the long term.
And Finally,
Listen To The Opposing Point of View: One of the most dependable parts of any Bond film is the “Big Reveal” scene. It’s that scene — often where Bond has been captured — where he gets the arch-villain talking about his or her plan to take over the world.
These scenes were humorously parodied in Austin Powers when an out of touch Dr. Evil shares his ingenious plan. He’s captured a nuclear warhead which he’s ready to launch unless the US government will pay him the sum of….$1,000,000. While this may have seemed a big-time ransom in 1967, it’s laughable by 1997 standards and even more so today. If you saw the latest film No Time To Die,Daniel Craig’s swansong in the role, we hear Safin, played by Rami Malek expand on his views:
The thing that no one wants to admit is that most people want things to happen to them. We tell each other lies about the fight for free will and independence, but we don’t really want that. We want to be told how to live and then die when we’re not looking. People want oblivion, and a few of us are born to build it for them. So here I am — their invisible god sneaking under their skin.
The cool thing is that while they’re talking (trash), Bond is plotting out his escape. And he does every time!
While getting people to talk, and particularly hearing opposing viewpoints, hasn’t helped me save the world from a potential nuclear attack, I have experienced a few less global but still valuable benefits. I’ve found that as a fundraiser and a coach, learning what makes people tick and what they’re most passionate about is always helpful. Even if their views and beliefs are different from my own perspectives. It also allows me to speak to what they want to create and the results they’re committed to.
And in today’s politically charged world, I believe more and more that hearing an opposing view at least once a day offers a start to closing the incredible divide we’re seeing in our country.
While I’m sure there are many other lessons, these are some that have played out in my life. You don’t have to be James Bond or even like those movies to benefit from what I’ve shared above. Now go and save the free world. Or just go and do whatever you do but as badass as Bond would!
Signing off. Grabel. Robert Grabel
