The recipe for today’s popular cable “makeover” project shows is to have attractive hosts make us feel good by presenting and solving problems in a single episode. This Old House features a group of average-looking professionals renovating a single house per season. Even cast members did not expect this show to survive beyond its first year. How are they doing this?
Last weekend I watched the 40th Anniversary special for This Old House on PBS. I always enjoyed this show. Each season, their journey includes the history of the area, the home, and the plans for the renovation with the homeowners’ objectives. Each project takes the entire season and highlights the technique, materials and technology used to execute the plan and solve the problems that inevitably arise along the way.
Why is their formula still drawing an audience in the era of instant gratification? I like to think it is simply Competence and Respect.
- Competence: The core cast of the show consists of the host and a small group of seasoned professionals. The latter are masters of their respective trades; carpenters, contractors, plumbers, electricians and landscapers. The cast professionals know their stuff and we observe old-school methodical craftmanship while they embrace (and explain) modern technological technique. The host ties it all together, providing the viewer a light narrative with good humor, clarity and context.
- Respect: The cast members respect the work they do, respect one another and treat the homeowners and the local professionals they work with on each project with decency. They explain things clearly and with care. They approach problems and mistakes with patience and curiosity. They have fun, using gentle pranks and self-deprecating humor to break the tension that mounts in the face of obstacles.
Why I watch:
- I see sound motivation technique; a clear view of the conditions and parameters of the project, so all involved – including the viewers – have a stake and realistic expectations.
- Camaraderie, technical skills and resourcefulness in action are just compelling to me. Heck, this is why people watch Seal Team (though the action factor is a bit different).
What I take away:
When working with a firm, I will come upon the occasional group that has a reputation for good results and positive culture over time. I sometimes call them Anchor Teams. When I ask about their success, they often give good fortune and one another the credit, but it is always more than this. Anchor Teams can be hidden drivers of intellectual curiosity, harmony and high standards in an organization. People on these teams can be observed encouraging one another and kidding one another, but always asking one another for more. For a leader, there is always something valuable to learn from these special teams, but only leaders who really engage with their organization get to see this.
As for This Old House – Sure, I think it might be uglier when the cameras are off. Every home project is messy, and these people are performers in addition to being skilled builders. There will be competition, friction and disagreement. But, at This Old House, the producers, directors and cast members do their jobs well. I can’t see the drama on Sunday evenings – I see their core Anchor Team at work, and I see Competence and Respect. I am grateful for this.
Once a week, I can enjoy being part of their project and imagine (and hope) that their behavior and standards are still held in high regard.
Congratulations to This Old House on 40 years of success!
Discussion:
- Where do you see Anchor Teams (with a reputation for good results and positive culture) in your organization?
- How do you expand their value without damaging their successful formula?