What 80s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today's Workplace

Book excerpt: Oh, Carol Anne, who crooned, "They're here." Poltergeist, 1982. Perhaps you meant to say ... "It's he-ere." The first full-length book that comes on the heels of its mini-book predecessor. Let the "What '80s Pop Culture" series truly begin! So where does Book #2, 10 More Iconic Movies, Even More Totally Awesome Business Lessons, take us? Cue the unforgettable '80s quote: "Where we're going, we don't need roads." (Back to the Future, 1985.) You'll need a guide for this journey and there's no better way to travel than to hop in the time machine '80s style. Remember the sequels craze that swept the nation with iconic films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rocky, Back to the Future and every slasher film set on a street or in a camp? Yes, the '80s excelled in creating sequels and so does Chris. So, are '80s movies really imbued with timeless lessons for business leaders? Yes! The era of parachute pants, Members Only jackets and padded shoulders also brought us the same creative indulgence for the workplace in the form of bigger business lessons, bigger budgets, and anything-goes totally radical marketing. And the practical, evergreen lessons for businesses of all kinds? They're timeless. In Book #2, you'll find 10 more unforgettable '80s movies and even more righteous business lessons to apply at work. Plus a totally radical foreword from '80s silver screen sweetheart Diane Franklin. Turn the pages and celebrate the arrival of a decade that saw an explosion in creativity and the rise of the individual. Discover dozens of relatable, unique and fun workplace lessons with a side of nostalgia. You'll never look at these movies and their characters the same as you did before. Here are a few examples of the lessons Chris has in store: The Outsiders -- When the chips are down, it's more important than ever to make the right decisions and "Stay Gold." The Princess Bride -- How to drop the "As you wish" mentality. Caddyshack -- Learn how to "Be the ball" in business. Fast Times at Ridgemont High -- Why it's okay to say, "I don't know." The Lost Boys -- Reject your workplace vampires. Coming to America -- "When you think of garbage, think of Akeem." Translated for the workplace? Earn your leadership. Better Off Dead -- Being successful requires that you "Get out over your skis" and hit that mountain as fast as you can. Weird Science -- It takes a bit of crazy to continue to move the business world forward. Ghostbusters -- It's true! Strapping an unlicensed nuclear reactor on your back makes you less risk-averse. The Karate Kid -- "Don't forget to breathe. Very important" is perhaps the greatest business advice of all time. In other words, you surely don't want to lose your sh!t when it hits the fan. The timeless lessons of '80s movies (taught to some of us as tweens and teens, and just now being discovered by younger generations) still resonate and apply to our careers. Extract these lessons and live them every day. So, get into some parachute pants, pump up your favorite '80s jams and get ready to learn What '80s Pop Culture Can Teach Us About Today's Workplace. "Inspired, insightful, and hilarious." -- Kevin Barnett, Screenwriter and Producer "A truly enjoyable and nostalgic read with golden nuggets of business advice throughout." -- Karen Jones-- Karen Jones, EVP & CMO, Ryder