The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Ch 16

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Questions and Answers

What critical element does a leader need to succeed if they have passion, tools, and people but cannot get the organization moving?

Strategic planning

Momentum (correct)

Technical skills

Increased funding

In what area did Ed Catmull change his focus while in college?

Business management

Physics and computer science (correct)

Animation and filmmaking to art history

Electrical engineering

What was the name of the division that Ed Catmull ran at Lucasfilm Ltd.?

Animation Technology Group

Computer Graphics Division (correct)

Visual Effects Division

Pixar Animation Studios

Who purchased the computer graphics division from George Lucas and renamed it Pixar?

Steve Jobs Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the short films that Pixar began making?

To showcase their technology prowess Signup and view all the answers

What was one potential direction the organization considered before it transformed into an entertainment powerhouse?

Becoming a provider of medical hardware Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as the primary responsibility of a leader in creating momentum within an organization?

Initiating and sustaining momentum Signup and view all the answers

What personal qualities are emphasized as necessary for a leader to generate momentum?

Vision, passion, and enthusiasm Signup and view all the answers

How did Jaime Escalante address the challenges he faced at Garfield High School?

By implementing a calculus class for motivated students Signup and view all the answers

What did the new principal's arrival signify for Escalante's goal of improving the school?

A fresh opportunity for change and improvement in the school Signup and view all the answers

What significant realization did Catmull and Lasseter have after presenting their animation film?

They connected with the audience through storytelling. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pixar's method for ensuring financial survival in its early days?

Creating computer-animated commercials. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial response from Disney to Pixar's proposal for creating feature films?

Offer of a contract for three feature films. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Pixar face during the development of Toy Story?

Characters were deemed too edgy and unlikable. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome when Toy Story was finally released?

It exceeded box office expectations significantly. Signup and view all the answers

How did Bob Iger approach the challenges faced by Disney's animation division?

By acquiring Pixar. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of momentum signify for a leader in an organization?

It is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success. Signup and view all the answers

What does momentum do to the perception of leaders during successful times?

It makes them seem better than they actually are. Signup and view all the answers

How does momentum affect the performance of followers in an organization?

It helps them perform better than they expect. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason leaders may strive to control momentum in a competitive situation?

To stop the opposing team from gaining an advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to describe momentum’s effect on organizations?

A magnifying glass. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the essence of the Law of Momentum?

Strong momentum can make average teams perform extraordinarily. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is made to compare the difficulty of starting momentum versus maintaining it?

It’s harder to start skiing than to steer once up on the water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a leader experiencing momentum over their career?

They may appear more competent than they truly are. Signup and view all the answers

What does the story of Pixar illustrate regarding momentum as a change agent?

It showcases how momentum can drive significant positive change. Signup and view all the answers

Why do teams on the verge of winning often overlook injuries or mistakes?

Momentum makes problems seem smaller and more manageable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Momentum as a Leader's Best Friend

Momentum is crucial for organizational success, enabling progress towards a vision. A stagnant organization is unlikely to succeed.

The Story of Pixar

Ed Catmull, a visionary animator, initially pursued physics and computer science. Later, he developed innovative computer graphics software.
Catmull's computer graphics division at Lucasfilm, later acquired by Steve Jobs as Pixar, faced challenges but demonstrated the importance of story amid technical innovation.
Luxo Jr., a short film, proved that engaging narrative was more compelling than showcasing technology. This was key to Pixar's audience connection.
Pixar overcame early struggles by focusing on meaningful storytelling and gradually gaining recognition through commercials and short films.
A significant contract with Disney to make feature films spurred momentum, but early work on Toy Story faced creative difficulties.
Toy Story's success in 1995 demonstrably created momentum, as shown by financial results and subsequent milestones.
This success was remarkable given the modest early estimates for box office revenue.

The Essence of Momentum

Momentum is essentially a magnifying glass, making successes seem larger and failures smaller. It's the crucial difference between winning and losing in various arenas.
Momentum affects perception: In periods of success, leaders can appear more capable than they are; conversely, in slumps, their shortcomings seem more obvious.
Momentum can motivate followers to perform beyond expectations; a lack of momentum hinders performance.
It's important for managing momentum, as evidenced by coaching time-outs to stop opposition momentum.
It's more manageable to steer than to create or initiate. The initial hurdle is far greater than sustaining success
It is a change agent, transforming underperforming organizations.

The Leader's Role

Momentum originates with the leader, fueled by vision, passion, and enthusiasm. Leaders must actively foster this.
Leaders must not merely follow but create momentum; waiting for it to develop passively is detrimental.
The leader's responsibility is to establish and sustain momentum to drive the organization forward.

The Example of Jaime Escalante

Escalante, a dedicated educator, overcame significant obstacles to inspire students through a small-scale calculus program, using a progressive and proactive approach, earning recognition over time.
Escalante persevered through adversity, transforming a struggling school and its culture positively, which eventually helped an entire district.

Building Momentum

Leaders must take initiative to identify and counteract factors preventing momentum.
Leaders must cultivate motivation with praise, recognition for effort, and rewards for success to ensure momentum develops.
Leaders must take responsibility for initiating momentum rather than waiting for it to emerge passively

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Description

Explore the critical role of momentum in leadership through the lens of Pixar's journey. Learn how Ed Catmull's emphasis on storytelling over technology paved the way for Pixar's success in the animation industry. This quiz will highlight key moments in Pixar's development and the importance of maintaining momentum in organizational success.