Transformers 2: Defining Your Brand
Before Transformers 2, Revenge of the Fallen, hit the big screen on June 24, my son and I was able to watch the movie at IMAX theatre (SM Mall Of Asia). The cars and jets transforming into robots fascinated me since I first watch the cartoons version in the 80’s.
Transformers, as we all know, were defined by two brands, the clash between the “Autobots” the good rollling bots, and the “Decepticons” the bad flying bots. Their brand is further enhanced by their symbols.
In one of the scenes, we have an example on how people respond on a brand
When the main characters are in quest for an energon cube to bring Optimus Prime back to life, “Wheelie”, a Decepticon toy car robot, led them to “Jet fire”, in hope that he will give them the lead. However, when they put Jet Fire back to commission, it scared the wits out of them when they saw the Decepticon symbol on his chest.
In the strange twist of the story, both “Jet Fire” and “Wheelie, switched sides and affiliated with the Autobots.
We can learn several principles from this story:
Lesson # 1: People reacts to the reputation of a brand.
The reputation you built will follow you wherever you go, as long as you live. Since we have a small world, keeping one’s brand above reproach will keep us in a stable ground.
Lesson # 2: The Reputation of your affiliations can also affect you
Just like Jet Fire, viewers thought he’ll be as bad as Starscream and Megatron. In the same way, whether you like it or not, the reputation of the company you worked for, the university where you graduated, the fraternity you belong, etc, will have an effect on your brand. Either way, it can enhance or damage your reputation, and vice versa.
Lesson # 3: You can still change your brand
The good news is, you can establish your own brand independent of your affiliation. But you have to make tough decisions, just like Jet Fire, who sacrificed his life by giving his power to Optimus Prime, just to prove his point.
Brand management is about (1) defining your brand, what you want to be known for or what you want to be. Your reputation should not be defined by people or perception. Your environment will attempt to force you into it’s mold, but you should assert your brand, that’s # (2) Be consistent despite the pressure around you.
Can you see other leadership or management lesson from the movie?
Your Thoughts