The Genius of Fairy Tales

Greetings.  Last Friday an estimated two billion people watched the wedding of Prince William Arthur Philip Louis to Kate (now Catherine) Middleton.  It was a remarkable moment that doesn't occur very often and a rare chance to see a real life fairy tale come true.  That's assuming that it is appropriate to use the phrase "real life" when talking about members of a royal family because, after all, their lives are slightly different than the lives of most of the rest of us.  But there they were on the big day–processioning through historic and tree-lined Westminster Abbey, taking their vows, seeming a bit nervous, sharing their first two married kisses surrounded by adoring crowds, and doing their best to create a most joyful image of a new generation of royals and future monarchs–complete with pomp, circumstance, beautiful clothes, fascinating rituals, horsedrawn carriages, and a glorious ride through London to the balcony of an incredible palace.

It was a magical event…and even more extraordinary for Americans whose only monarchs are butterflies.

And then it dawned on me that fairy tales don't have to be so rare.  Especially the ones that transport us to such a special, positive, and honored place.  Of course I realize that royal weddings don't happen every day.  But why should that stop us from treating our customers, employees, and partners like royalty?  Or making a big deal about the essential "life cycle" events in our businesses?  Because the only necessary ingredients for creating a meaningful fairy tale are likable characters (sometimes contrasted with unlikable ones), a story that's way beyond normal, at least one moment of enchantment that could be the culmination of a shared quest, and possibly one or more fairies or trolls (though trolls are simply optional).  All ingredients that should challenge us to take a fresh look at what is possible in our own companies or organizations.  To imagine a way more compelling response to a request for proposals.  To envision new and better ways to keep and engage our most talented and committed employees.  To discover new and unique offerings that really set us apart from the crowd.  To establish rituals filled with power and impact.  To be different than everyone else in ways that really matter.  

By challenging ourselves and our colleagues to look at remarkable events with an eye toward unlocking the remarkable in everything we do…

We win in business and in life when we appreciate the true genius of fairy tales.  And when we try to create real magic for those we have the privilege to serve–inside and outside our organizations.

Cheers!

P.S. Sunday evening's news from Pakistan teaches us just how fleeting the buzz over even the grandest fairy tales can be in the face of a ten-year hunt.  So make sure that the stories you create have staying power in the face of your industry's biggest events.