Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,038 - Sept. 11, 2024

You never know where a great idea might come from, which is why it helps to be curious and open to creative possibilities, no matter who offers up a new idea. It might come from a brand-new employee, a customer, or your six-year-old niece, which is why I love these two stories as a reminder of this.

The first story is from the set of the 2017 movie Thor: Ragnarok, which I know you have all watched countless times. What's considered to be the funniest line in the film happens when Thor sees the Incredible Hulk for the first time in the movie, and he excitedly shouts out, "We know each other. He's a friend from work!" The line wasn't in the original script - it was suggested as a funny line by a child visiting the set as part of his "Make-a-Wish" experience.   

In an episode of the sitcom Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld is rehearsing a scene with guest star Bryan Cranston who is playing Jerry's dentist. After the rehearsal is finished and Seinfeld leaves the set, a lighting guy sitting atop a ladder calls down to Cranston with the suggestion: "You know what would be really funny - if you take a shot of the laughing gas before putting the mask over Jerry's face." Cranston loved the suggestion and worked it into the final shooting of the scene, generating huge laughs from the crew.  

Never dismiss an idea out of hand because of the source - some of the most creative ideas often come from the most surprising sources, and yes, often from the people standing on the sidelines!