#162 replay

I watched the movie Sleepless in Seattle again the other night.  Instead of being captivated by the story, I was stunned at how dated the film had become.  

Not just how young Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan looked, but how far we had come in so many ways:
> They only used land lines, with the long extension cords so you could hide in the closet for a private conversation.
> No one had personal computers on their desk.  Reporter Annie Reed had a dumb terminal with the flashing green cursor to use all same-font capitals to request a background check.
> The flight to New York was booked through a travel agent and produced a paper ticket.
> Annie pushed mechanical buttons to change the radio station in her car.
> They drank water from a faucet and not a bottle.
> Incoming passengers were greeted at the gate at the airport.
> People used radio call-in shows to find dates.
> The responses to the call-in show were delivered via the postal service and hand-written letters.
> Of course, the World Trade Center still towered above New York.

Sometimes it is good to have a look back, even if it is via a 19-year old romantic comedy to make a note of our changes.  If someone re-played the movie of your life, or of your organization, what differences would they see?  It may warrant another showing to reflect on what you have done -- and to see what changes you need to write into the script for your sequel.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com