Star Wars Special: Public Relations Lessons from the Jedi Masters
Since its inception in 1977, Star Wars narratives have accumulated a large following. By adopting a transmedia strategy, he has provided his fandom with a truly immersive experience that spawned a subculture unique to itself. While many look to the film franchise for childhood reminiscences and fast-paced plot constructions, some of us discovered enlightening public relations advice from Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Here are some of them:
Many of the truths we cling to depend on our point of view.
The first lesson to be learned from Obi-Wan is the importance of empathy for a public relations practitioner. We, as PR professionals, must be able to abandon confirmatory biases in order to analyze situations from the perspective of different stakeholders.
The mission of public relations is to build a mutually beneficial relationship between different stakeholders by managing interests. Without the ability to consider from the points of view of different parties, certain stakeholder groups can be defrauded and thus lay the groundwork for future conflict.
Always on the move is the future.
Change is the only constant; the future is difficult to predict. However, one of the most exciting parts of public relations is also forecasting trends and preparing for what may happen.
Rapid changes in media consumption patterns and technological advances add to the challenge. It’s the same speed that takes unsuspecting professionals and agencies out of their game and even renders some obsolete. The courage to embrace change is the key to survival and success. It is necessary to constantly stay on top of the latest industrial developments, consumer trends and strengthen our arsenal with the latest skills.
Don’t take anything from Obi-Wan. You must have a clear mind if you want to discover the real villains behind this plot.
Yoda’s advice to Obi-Wan serves as a reminder that everyone never takes things at face value and always has a clear mind. No matter how busy we are, being a professional means never compromising on standards and work ethics.
Instead of just waiting for the ideal, we always get ahead of ourselves and prepare for the worst with contingency plans. It also helps to have a clear mind when analyzing facts and situations. When faced with a cluttered mind, always take a breath before diving into tasks.
To be a Jedi is to face the truth and choose. Emit light or dark, Padawan. Be it a candle or the night.
Last but not least, Yoda also teaches an important public relations lesson on decision-making and integrity. When a choice or decision must be made, it must be based on ethics and integrity. Always playing devil’s advocate, the best of publicists must always remember that we are not crowd pleasers, nor are we mere mouthpieces. Always choose to err on the right side (did I say light?).
In short, regardless of whether you are a Warsie or not, there is always something for everyone to learn from the hidden nuggets of wisdom throughout the Star Wars journey. As long as we are sure that we have learned everything necessary, always remember it.
“Much to learn, you still have”
