It’s May now and we’re in the middle of election season for many student organizations. Some have already completed them. Some are just beginning.
A common refrain I hear this time of year is the “outsider” who one and “wasn’t part of the group” last year. Often times that outsider was an upset over a student who serve on a board or council the previous year. There can be a tendency to dismiss that outsider or not welcome him in with open arms.
I’d like to propose a different idea.
In 2000, Brad Bird joined Pixar. In 2004, Pixar released The Incredibles.
Okay, maybe we should backtrack.
- In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story. Directed by John Lasseter. Story by John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Joe Ranft.
- In 1998, Pixar released A Bug’s Life. Directed by John Lasseter. Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Joe Ranft.
- In 1999, Pixar released Toy Story 2. Directed by John Lasster. Story by John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Ash Brannon (who worked on Toy Story & A Bug’s Life), and Andrew Stanton.
- In 2002, Pixar released Monters, Inc. Directed by Pete Docter.
- In 2003, Pixar released Finding Nemo. Directed by Andrew Stanton.
Do you see a pattern? The first five Pixar hits were all created and directed by people within Pixar. Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton had the first chance to step up into the director’s chair. They excelled. Each Pixar film was a huge success.
Some would argue, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
But Pixar wanted to prevent itself from just becoming a pattern. So in 2000, while Monsters, Inc and Finding Nemo were in production (it takes several years for an animated film), Pixar brought in Brad Bird to direct and helm a new film. He pitched a movie focusing on a human family (a first for Pixar), brought in some non-Pixar illustrators (a first for Pixar), and even earned the film a PG rating (a first for Pixar). He messed with the whole pattern and brought a fresh viewpoint into Pixar, which helped stretch an already successful company.
Pixar was open to this idea. After achieving huge success from the “blooper reel” at the end of Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc, the company decided not to include it at the end of Finding Nemo–again, to disrupt a pattern.
The Pixar company culture is a huge reason behind its success. It’s welcoming reception to Bird, opened up new opportunities. He was even able to assist in a stalled Ratatouille a few years later.
So if your council or board just elected an “outsider,” be open to the possibility. Maybe your newest member could be the Brad Bird that your organization needs.