CEO Adviser: Comic Relief

Like you, Ive read dozens of business books (and magazines like this one), dozens of marketing books, dozens of management books. Ive been to and led seminars, retreats and workshops. Ive listened to leadership MP3s, CDs and tapes (yes, Im that old). And yet I learned one of the best business lessons of my life from Jerry Seinfeld.

It happened when I was the executive producer of Seattles long-running comedy TV show, Almost Live! Jerry was on our show four times. By the time of his final appearance, his groundbreaking sitcom, Seinfeld, was already on the air. It had not yet become the monster hit it would eventually become the show that TV Guide would name the greatest television program of all time (clearly TV Guide was not aware of Almost Live!) but it was obvious that it was heading in that direction.

On Jerrys fourth and final appearance on Almost Live!, he did a routine about how a washing machine is like a disco for clothes. Its a routine Id seen him do before, but somehow it seemed better this time. I couldnt put my finger on it, so I asked Jerry about this sketch in the green room after the show. Heres what he told me:

Im glad you noticed that. I was doing a gig a couple of months ago in Kansas City [Authors note: I dont remember where his actual gig was. I just said Kansas City because it sounds generic and, in fact, is generic, which youd know if youve ever been to Kansas City] and I had the set videotaped. When I watched the tape, I realized that I was pretty much just standing there. I mean, visually, it was pretty boring. I wondered if there was something I could do to pick it up a bit. So Ive been trying to add a little more motion, a little more physicality, to the routine. You think it worked?

Well, it certainly did work, but heres the thing: It was already working! Think about this. Heres Jerry Seinfeld Jerry Seinfeld at the time the hottest comedian around. Hes playing to standing-room-only crowds nightly and hes killing it. His TV show is about to enter legendary status. Heres a guy whos at the top of his game and his stuff is working.

And hes looking for ways to make it better.

Heres my takeaway from that little episode. If Jerry Seinfeld at the top of his game is still looking for ways to make it better, then whats our excuse? I mean, heres a guy who could have coasted. Heres a guy who could have thought, Ive got a winning game and everybody knows you dont change a winning game.

What Jerry Seinfeld taught me is that you do change a winning game. In fact, you must change a winning game. You have to keep looking for ways to make it better. Because if you dont, you can bet the competition will.

Success, as it turns out and as Jerry Seinfeld realized is a moving target. It doesnt stay in the same place. Author and actress Carrie Fisher once said, There is no point at which you can say, Well, Im successful now. I might as well take a nap.

I dont know what business youre in. But heres one thing I do know: Its not standing still. Its being affected by factors both internal and external. Success in your business is a moving target.

Whatever youre doing in your business right now might be working just fine. You might even be at the top of your game. If thats the case, congratulations. Youve no doubt put in a lot of hard work to get to where you are. As did Jerry Seinfeld. So heres my question for you: How can you make it better?

BILL STAINTON is a Seattle-based motivational speaker. Reach him at 425-741-3972 or [email protected].