If I asked you where the Running of the Bulls occurred, many of you could answer Pamplona, Spain. I doubt that Richmond, VA or Atlanta would be on the tip of your tongue, but starting next year both answers would be correct.
The two U.S. cities are going to begin their own version of the traditional Spanish event -- only on a drag racing strip in VA and a horse park in GA instead of through the city. Now when you boast that you "ran with the bulls" -- it may be the authentic running or it may be a modified extreme sport in the States.
I see parallels to the proliferation of college sweatshirts; it used to be that you had to attend Harvard or Notre Dame or Duke -- or at least visit the campus -- to have (or want) one of their shirts, but now you can get a jersey of your favorite team without leaving your armchair or taking a class. Ditto for paraphernalia from Disney World or I (heart) NY or any souvenir-type momento that you can name.
We have lost something in the mass marketing and replication of unique aspects of our culture. I think we should run the bulls on the streets of Pamplona, see Mickey in Orlando and let only the people with some connection to the Blue Devils wear the logo-emblazoned shirts.
What are you doing in your organization that is genuinely, authentically "you"? Can you make some aspect of your experience exclusive and special for those who truly have experienced it? There is a reason they don't sell green jackets in the pro shop at Augusta.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
Source: Running of Bull coming to U.S. by Jeff Martin and Michael Felberbaum for AP in Telegraph Herald August 4, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment