Do you ever feel like you’ve lived the same day before?
Every day, you show up at your job. Do the same job every day. Repetition the same conversations. Every. Day.
It can be difficult to stop repeating the same thing. It’s not easy to make a change. Ask Phil Connors, the time-warping character played in Bill Murray’s iconic film “Groundhog Day.”
Phil, a cold-hearted and narcissistic weatherman, will have to relive February 2, over and over until he succeeds. If you have never seen the movie, GO NOW.
“Groundhog Day” is a hilarious comedy that delivers powerful messages about love, change, and being a good person. Phil can’t break the time loop until his whole life changes. Unless you are as selfish and heartless like Phil, you can make small changes over time to bring success to your career and life.
We highlight six lessons technology professionals can learn about “Groundhog Day.”
1. Do not be a prima donna
We are not stating the obvious. Here are some prima donna quotes, and why they are bad. These five tips will help you avoid becoming a primadona like Phil Connors, whether your career is just beginning or you are a seasoned veteran.
“Rita thinks it would be a great idea When Rita, the new producer is assigned to Phil, she doesn’t want him to give her the opportunity to help. He does his job the same way he has always done.
Lesson: Don’t dismiss people who are there to help you. Listen to others’ ideas. Even if they are there to help you, be open to their ideas. You can disagree with their suggestions but have a constructive discussion about it.
“They’re hicks Rita.” As Phil walks through the crowds to see Punxsutawney Phil, he clearly doesn’t want to be there. He looks down on everyone. He believes he is superior to everyone else.
Lesson: Don’t dismiss or mock what others are passionate about or interested. While you might not share the same interests, it doesn’t mean that what they care about is less important.
“For your Information, hairdo ” A statement that begins with “For Your Information” isn’t going to do any favors. It can be used to convey arrogance or make the other person feel inferior. It’s okay to use it if you’re passing on information —-. In that case, just use “FYI.”
“… a major network is interested”Phil keeps talking about how he plans to quit his job, because a major network wants it.
Lesson: Don’t brag on your next job while simultaneously shaming your current job and coworkers. You make it easier to fire you. You can look forward to the next step in your career. But keep it to yourself. Keep your eyes on your peers and deliver results for them.
“This is impossible.” He claims that a large blizzard would not reach his viewers, but he is incredibly wrong. The blizzard is what traps him at Punxsutawney and begins his daily purgatory.
Lesson: It’s not about “if”, it is “when” you will be wrong. You’ll find little sympathy if you believe you can do no wrong, and when that day comes (and many will be rooting for it), you’ll have little sympathy. Arrogance is less likely to get forgiveness.
Never refer to yourself or your talent as “the talent.”
2. Surround yourself with the right people
Phil discovered that it is a bad idea to hang out with the wrong people. He realizes he is trapped and starts to hang out with two drunks who bring him down.
Phil: “What would your thoughts be if you were trapped in one place, with no change to your daily life?” Ralph (a drunk): “That’s about it for me.”
Ralph doesn’t see any value in what he does, and is a negative influence
