My future father-in-law loaned me a copy of “Where have all the leaders gone?” by legendary American businessman Lee Iacocca (look him up– seriously). It’s a statement on Iacocca’s opinion of the present Administration and what he feels the United States needs from its next leader. I don’t want to turn EB into a political forum but I do want to review the qualities that Iacocca feels a great leader possesses– his “Nine Cs.” Many of them are habits of successful professional actors!
Curiousity– wow, is this important. Great actors are always learning. They may approach a new situation with an opinion of what it may or may not yield, but they are never married to that opinion. A great actor assumes something of value can be learned from nearly any situation– or any person. Finding that something is a welcome challenge.
Creativity– this should be obvious. If we are completely dependent upon the ideas of other people, and bring nothing of our own to the table, we’re not actors. We’re automatons.
Communication– as an independent business your survival hinges on your ability to effectively communicate with persons within your industry. Knowing what to say, and what not to, and to whom, and when; if these things weren’t important nobody would need a career coach and I wouldn’t have a job.
Character– this business is not for the thin-skinned or insecure. My friends always ask me how I am able to deal with the constant rejection. I guess the answer is that at some point you stop looking at “not getting the job” as a failure. A good audition is money in the bank and will lead to other auditions, and other jobs. Applying that sort of optimism to all aspects of the business is hard but necessary.
Courage– The decision to pursue a professional acting career takes courage. Believing in yourself despite all the competition and all the odds stacked against you takes courage. Adopting and sticking to a long-term approach takes courage. Constantly challenging yourself to be better takes courage.
Conviction– so much of your success depends on the passion and fire that fuels it. A professional acting career cannot be achieved on a part-time or half-assed basis. Cynicism is a wonderful comic tool but it’s also a crappy business ally. If you look at the industry and see dead-ends and wastes of time, you’re in trouble. If you look at the industry and see possibilities and opportunities, you’ve got a chance.
Charisma– it’s not about schmoozing, fast-talking or being slick. It’s about being gracious, and kind, and the sort of person with whom others enjoy collaborating. Talented jerks work at a given place once and then don’t get invited back. When you can rise above the politics, ego games or other crap and conduct yourself with grace you will be surprised how much extra mileage you can accumulate!
Competence– if you don’t know how the industry works, who the major players are and what they do, you’re screwed. Ditto if you’re not crystal clear on specifically what you bring to the table.
Common Sense– my brother likes to say there’s nothing common about common sense. Unfortunately, he’s right.
Crisis– problems and issues pop up in this industry like weeds. No matter how good you are at the other stuff crises are inevitable. Sometimes on a daily basis. Keeping your head and making smart moves will win you opportunities– you’ll be surprised how many. Freaking out, acting on impulse or handing the reins of your career over to somebody else at the first sign of trouble will sabatage everything.
You undoubtedly already possess some of the above categories. You probably need to work on the others (I know I do!) A few will only come with experience. Take a look at the list and think about how you have incorporated these qualities into your career recently. Where is there room for growth?