Category Archives: ET

12 Angry Men: Management Lessons from a Classic Film


12 Angry Men is a timeless classic that not only serves as a gripping courtroom drama but also as a powerful lesson in management and leadership. Starring Henry Fonda as Juror #8, the film delves deep into the dynamics of decision-making, conflict resolution, and persuasion, all of which are critical skills for effective management.

Key Management Lessons

1. The Power of Persuasion:
Juror #8, played by Henry Fonda, exemplifies the power of calm, rational persuasion. He starts as the lone dissenter in a jury convinced of the defendant’s guilt and methodically dismantles their arguments through logic and careful questioning. This teaches managers the importance of patience, critical thinking, and the ability to influence others without aggression.

2. Conflict Resolution:
The film showcases various conflicts among the jurors, arising from different backgrounds and personal biases. Juror #8’s approach to resolving these conflicts—by listening actively and addressing concerns with empathy—highlights the importance of understanding team members’ perspectives and working towards a common goal.

3. Leadership and Initiative:
Taking the unpopular stance, Juror #8 demonstrates true leadership by standing up for his beliefs despite immense pressure. Managers can learn the value of courage and integrity, especially when advocating for what is right.

4. Building Consensus:
Fonda’s character gradually builds consensus by encouraging open discussion and critical examination of the evidence. Effective managers must facilitate dialogue and create an environment where all voices are heard, leading to better decision-making.

The Jack Lemmon Version

In 1997, 12 Angry Men was remade with Jack Lemmon in the role of Juror #8. This version maintains the core themes of the original while bringing a fresh perspective through Lemmon’s nuanced performance. The remake underscores the timeless nature of the film’s message and its relevance to modern management practices.

Where to Watch in Hyderabad, India

To experience these powerful performances and learn valuable management lessons, you can stream these versions online in Hyderabad:

  • 1957 Version (Henry Fonda): Available on Amazon Prime Video India.
  • 1997 Version (Jack Lemmon): Available on Amazon Prime Video India.

For more insights into management and leadership, visit Directing Business.


Movie Recommendation:
If you enjoyed 12 Angry Men, you might also like The Verdict starring Paul Newman, another courtroom drama that delves into themes of justice, perseverance, and personal redemption.

Book Recommendation:
Consider reading Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink. This book explores the science of motivation and how it can be applied to enhance management practices.

For further exploration of movies and management, check out more articles at Laksh Online.

Remember, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind—and persuasive like Juror #8!” 😄

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Rediscovering the Timeless Classic: ‘Bawarchi’ on Amazon Prime Video

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“It is so simple to be happy, but it is so difficult to be simple.” This iconic dialogue from the movie ‘Bawarchi’ encapsulates the essence of this timeless classic. A film that I keep revisiting, ‘Bawarchi’ is a heartwarming portrayal of a mysterious cook who brings happiness and unity to a dysfunctional family through his culinary skills and wisdom.

The film opens with a hilarious scene that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. An old man shouts ‘munna’, and to our surprise, it’s not a young boy who shows up, but a grown man played by the brilliant A.K. Hangal. This unexpected twist adds a touch of humor right from the start, making the audience instantly connect with the film’s light-hearted narrative.

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukerjee and starring Rajesh Khanna, ‘Bawarchi’ is a testament to the simplicity and depth of Indian cinema. The narrative revolves around a cook, played by Khanna, who enters the lives of a squabbling family and transforms their home with his positive energy and delicious food. The film beautifully explores the themes of unity, simplicity, and the pursuit of happiness, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

One of the most memorable aspects of ‘Bawarchi’ is its dialogues, filled with wisdom and humor. The aforementioned iconic dialogue is a perfect example of this, beautifully conveying the movie’s central theme of finding happiness in simplicity and unity. It’s a philosophy that Rajesh Khanna’s character, the Bawarchi, embodies throughout the film, and it’s a philosophy that continues to resonate with me every time I revisit this classic.

The acting and crew behind ‘Bawarchi’ were instrumental in bringing the film’s heartwarming narrative to life. Rajesh Khanna’s portrayal of the mysterious cook, Bawarchi, is notable for its charm and depth. His performance is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. Khanna’s ability to embody the philosophy and wisdom of his character is a significant factor that makes the film a timeless classic.

Director Hrishikesh Mukerjee, acclaimed for his ability to create meaningful cinema, also played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative. His direction allowed the film’s message of unity and simplicity to shine through, making ‘Bawarchi’ a standout in his filmography.

Amazon Prime Video, with its extensive library of films, has been showcasing a treasure trove of classics and rare gems from the world of cinema. These films, often overlooked amidst the flashier new releases, offer a unique blend of nostalgia and timeless narratives that continue to resonate with audiences. This endeavor by Amazon Prime Video is a commendable step towards preserving the rich legacy of global cinema and providing a platform for these timeless narratives to shine.

In conclusion, ‘Bawarchi’ is more than just a film; it’s a timeless narrative that continues to inspire and entertain. Its enduring charm and wisdom, coupled with its humorous opening scene, make it a classic that is worth revisiting time and again. And thanks to platforms like Amazon Prime Video, we can continue to enjoy these classics and appreciate the rich legacy of cinema.

Unpacking Management Lessons from “Take it Easy”

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Introduction

Today, we embark on a melodic journey to uncover profound management insights hidden within the classic rock anthem, “Take it Easy,” performed by the iconic band, Eagles. Much like a timeless film, this song resonates across time and space, offering us lessons in leadership, teamwork, and navigating the often chaotic road of life.

Setting the Stage

“Well, I’m running down the road Tryin’ to loosen my load”

These opening lines set the scene for the busy, fast-paced world we often find ourselves in, both in life and in the corporate arena. The narrator’s journey mirrors the daily grind of managers tasked with overseeing various responsibilities and projects. It’s a vivid reminder that leaders are, in essence, constantly on the move, handling their own load of tasks.

The Sound of Wisdom

“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels Drive you crazy”

In the corporate landscape, leaders can easily become ensnared by the cacophony of their own thoughts and the day-to-day noise. This line urges us to find equilibrium, to avoid overthinking, and to let go of the stress that often stems from excessive self-reflection. In management, being able to balance reflection and action is key.

Key Takeaways

Let’s delve into the practical management lessons hidden within “Take it Easy”:

1. Delegation is the Key to Success: Learn to delegate effectively to ‘loosen your load’ and ensure you’re not overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks.

2. Keep Perspective: In the corporate whirlwind, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Don’t let the minutiae of the daily grind drive you ‘crazy’. Maintain perspective to make well-informed decisions.

3. Embrace Flexibility: Just as life’s road can be unpredictable, so too can business. Adaptability and flexibility are essential for success.

4. Build a Strong Team: Much like the song suggests, ‘Take it easy’ but never alone. Foster a cohesive and supportive team, as they can help shoulder the load and make the journey more enjoyable.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Understand that in the world of management, emotional intelligence is a powerful tool. Knowing how to read and respond to your team’s emotions can lead to better outcomes.

Inspirational Quotes

Let’s draw wisdom from both music and cinema:

  • “A wise man can learn more from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” – Rush (2013)
  • “The key to this job is personal relationships.” – Jerry Maguire (1996)

The Harmony of Leadership

In this fusion of music and management, we’ve learned that there’s more to the lyrics than meets the ear. “Take it Easy” not only encourages us to enjoy life’s journey but also provides valuable management lessons on how to navigate it successfully. As Tony Stark wisely said in Avengers: Endgame, “Part of the journey is the end.” Let’s ensure our journey is as harmonious as the melodies we listen to.