The Eyelet.

Anticipation for the 2010 World Cup is building and Nike is igniting excitement in fans around the world with their newest campaign “Write The Future.” In the 10 minute film launched on Facebook, director Alejandro Inarritu follows world superstars of soccer and flashes you forward into their hopes and fears as they encounter make or break moments in their careers. The difference in one kick could mean fame and glory or life as a bearded recluse in a trailer park.
The spot is fantastic. It’s exciting, it’s funny, and all around masterful storytelling.
Watch the full length version here.

Last week, we had the privilege of attending a speaking engagement featuring Don Schmincke. As founder of the Saga Leadership Institute, Don has authored a number of books on leadership and has spent over two decades analyzing high performing teams. His morning session shared a variety of insights on the world’s highest performing organizations. Ultimately, through 30 years of research and observation, his team has found that the best organizations outperform by activating passion within their people. That passion is packaged through a clear, compelling internal belief system, which drives employee behavior and culminates in desired results. In his words, the most successful organizations create a “compelling saga.” The compelling saga inspires people to believe, encourages self sacrifice for the greater good of the organization, and fosters passion within the workforce. That passion drives the company to outmaneuver and demoralize its competitors.

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