Who doesn’t remember the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray? It has become a comedy cult classic, especially around this time of year surrounding Groundhog Day on February 2nd. If you haven’t seen it – what rock have you been living under? Allow me to give you a quick synopsis.
Bill Murray is a TV meteorologist who gets relegated to cover the annual Punxsutawney Phil event. Of course, if Phil sees his shadow, it suggests six more weeks of winter – if not, then spring is on the horizon.
Phil doesn’t handle the assignment with any grace whatsoever. He is resentful and believes he is far too good to cover such a ridiculous event. Let’s just say his poor attitude doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by his producer he has designs on, played by Andie McDowell, who believes him to be unnecessarily arrogant.
As a result of Bill’s attitude toward everyone through most of the picture, he ends up receiving some mystical form of retribution in, which Bill must repeat the same day – over and over again. Bill is the only one repeating the day.
For everyone else, it’s just Groundhog Day, unaware of Bill’s repetitive experience. We never truly know how many times the day repeats itself. It is possible this goes on for weeks and even months, but with each new (or repeated day), Bill begins to slowly soften and learn humility.
As the movie unfolds, we realize that Bill likes his producer and makes attempts each day to learn all he can about her, and the following day, he uses the info to woo and impress her. Over time, he learns all about her life, her passions, and her desires. If you have never seen this film, I won’t spoil the ending, but you should see it.
Besides being timely, what does this tale have to do with any of us? This classic comedy accentuates the need for all of us to learn something new about each other with every new day. As the film unfolds, the lesson becomes more and more powerful.
If we act in arrogance, anger, entitlement, and jealousy and show no willingness to change and adapt to those things expected of us, then we are destined to live the same day over and over again.
Frankly, it’s difficult to maintain positivity when we see friends and colleagues losing jobs and leaving the industry. We see change in our business world on an almost daily basis. I see friends I have known who have left the industry who claim, “The business just isn’t the same anymore!” They would be correct. It isn’t the same.
But it is new in other ways and certainly fresh technologies that have improved us over the years. Of this, we can be certain…the three constants in life remain the same… taxes, death, and change.
The one item we’re able to control is adapting to change with humility and positivity, with an emphasis on the latter. After all, change brings us innovation, opportunities, and eliminates outdated practices, offers greater efficiencies, introduces fresh talent along with increased retention, and a plethora of other possibilities.
Adaptation to change also invites competitiveness and for those unwilling to adapt, they are prone to lose their edge and be overtaken by those who know only of the newer methods.
Being open to change also embraces improved productivity with rewards for those who continuously learn and develop, which brings exciting new ideas to the team. While it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things the same way because it’s familiar and comfortable, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of this approach.
My advice? Don’t get stuck in your own personal Groundhog Day to relive the same day over and over. Look for those things that educate, empower, and inspire you – and those around you. Strive every day to break free from the chains of repetition and embrace a future full of possibilities brought on by change and innovation!
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Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. He most recently served as market manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. Throughout his career, Bob has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
