"Selling Popcorn" - The act of standing by and doing nothing to effect or change events but attracting attention to the event itself none the less.
It immediately had significant meaning for me. You see, I'm an activist at heart, and this terminology has relevance to we activists. We don't have any problem identifying an issue that something should be done about. The problem arises when all of us, at times, allow ourselves to simply "sell popcorn". Actually, I don't think this is just limited to the activist type, but includes most everyone else as well.
I do this from time to time, although I try to never "sell popcorn". It just frustrates me when I hear a fellow activist "selling popcorn". Why? Because the result is a bunch of people standing around observing, but not doing anything about the problem! I think most of us don't realize when we are "selling popcorn". We think that we are doing a great public service by drawing attention to a problem that needs to be addressed. Now, don't get me wrong, awareness is huge, and I appreciate it as a first step. BUT, something must be done to actually address the issue!
So, being true to my own assertion here, I am going to do something about "popcorn selling". Here it is. We need to make a slight shift in the way we go about talking about issues. Instead of simply informing people of problems, instead of calling attention to them, take the next step and make it a call to action. When you raise an issue, tag onto it a "what are WE going to do about it?" OR a "how can I help?".
The only people selling popcorn should be concessionaires at ENTERTAINMENT events. Real problems and issues are not for your entertainment!
3 comments:
Dave,
I've been thinking about this idea for quite some time, and yes, I understand the irony...
But I just wanted to say that I've looked at how you lead and certain philosophies you've told me with what leaders need to be doing to follow-through with a project. The one that has stuck is that for a leader to get people involved, they need to ask people directly to get involved! Not announce it over the masses, not blog about it, not bury it in a newsletter (these are my words here), not stand in the corner with a sign but actively delegate, promote, and follow-up with the people they wish to be a part of the project.
So many people, myself included, sit on an idea hoping somebody will back them up and then lead them into leading--I don't think that happens very often.
I think of a cheesy line in the movie "Night at the Museum" where wax-to-life statue Teddy Roosevelt (played by Robin Williams) says to the main character, Larry (who has some issues with leading a project through its course), "Some people are born great, some have greatness thrown upon them."
Despite these two instances, both demand that the person step-up and do.
Allthissaid, I hope to get off my kettlecorn and start popping some buttery smoothness, once I find out what my buttery smoothness is exactly. ;-)
Good call! And a great reminder! I hope to be doing exactly this "asking" in the months to come!
Incidentally, TR is one of my leadership heroes, and I loved the RW portrayal of him in "Night at the Museum"!
I appreciate your comment Dave. I believe that if someone takes the time to define an issue or a problem then they should also take the position of offering a solution. It's to easy to sit back and criticize, which usually leads to negative gossip.
On a side note, and please don't be offended, I don't quite understand your "About Me" summary. Perhaps I need to get a sense of humor. It just seems to be an opposite summary of the man I have seen in front of the congergation delivering a great message.
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