When's the last time you paid attention to the safety announcement on a flight? I can't remember either.
 
Air New Zealand posted a safety video on YouTube and 3,305,548 people have viewed it so far.
 
This is the same safety announcement that all of us hear every week on flights. So why would so many people view this video? Simple: The airline employees giving the safety announcement are all naked. Their uniforms are painted onto their bodies. So, that information should be enough to get some of you to click on the video in anticipation, and others to click on with utter disgust. Either way, it gets you to watch.
 
Click here to view video
 
 
Their video got me thinking about corporate presentations. People file into a room as cramped as economy seats on a flight. And almost the instant that the lights dim and the first slide appears on the screen, the audience tunes out. Don't believe me? Look around you at the next meeting you go to. (Or, perhaps you're reading this during one of those deadly presentations right now.)
 
What Air New Zealand (and Southwest Air found by given flight attendants freedom to be creative when they present safety information) was that people pay attention to things that are novel, entertaining, and worth telling others about.  
 
I am not suggesting naked executives. Believe me, I am definitely not suggesting that.  But as we prepare our next presentations, imagine how Air New Zealand's might handle it.  
 
 
A Request

I asked the people who signed up for the free change management open source project to send me a quick note that answers the question: What's the biggest challenge you face leading change today? (Or, if you are a consultant, the biggest challenge supporting others who lead change?)

This will help me focus topics for this newsletter and discussion on the open source site.

Thanks for your help. (My e-mail address is at the bottom of this newsletter.)

 
Becoming an Effective Organizational Intervener
 
Many of you know that in addition to my consulting business, I have been deeply involved in the work of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, first as a student and later as faculty. The "deliberate practice" and feedback I got (and continue to get) at the Institute has had a huge impact on my ability to do what I do.
 
If you are looking for a place to increase your effectiveness getting things done in organizations, I highly recommend the Becoming an Effective Organizational Intervener (BEI) program. (That's where I teach.)
 
Working there is a labor of love for me. I hope you'll consider looking into the BEI program. And feel free to call me anytime to discuss it. I love talking about the program.
 
Here is a link to a short Podcast I recorded where I explain why my study in Cleveland has meant so much to me. Rick's Podcast
 
And here is a link to a description of the BEI program.BEI Brochure
 
The next program starts in the fall, so now is a good time to register, etc. etc.
 

Rick
Rick Maurer 
President
Maurer & Associates
___________________  
 
email: rick@beyondresistance.com
phone: 703-525-7074
web: www.beyondresistance.com