Flair or Bare Minimum? Lessons from Office Space for MSP Businesses

The Scene at Chotchkie's

In the cult classic Office Space, one of the most memorable scenes involves Jennifer Aniston's character, Joanna, arguing with her restaurant manager, Stan, at Chotchkie's. Stan criticizes Joanna for wearing only 15 pieces of "flair" (decorative buttons) and questions her commitment to expressing herself. Joanna retorts that if the minimum requirement is 37 pieces of flair, then it should be explicitly stated.

The Bare Minimum vs. Showing Your Flair

This scene is not just a humorous exchange but a reflection of a broader issue in today's workplace. The manager, Stan, is easily seen as the villain, enforcing arbitrary rules and stifling individuality. Joanna, on the other hand, garners our sympathy as she stands up against the absurdity of corporate demands.

However, this scene raises an important question for IT Services Providers (MSPs) and other businesses: Are we doing the bare minimum, or are we showing our flair?

The Trend of Quiet Quitting

The trend of "quiet quitting," where employees intentionally do the bare minimum, is akin to Joanna's defiant stance. It's a way of giving the middle finger to management, but it's not a mindset we want to see infecting our businesses. Instead, we should look to examples of individuals who go above and beyond.

Learning from the Greats

Take Kobe Bryant, for instance. His incredible work ethic and relentless practice made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He didn't settle for the bare minimum; he pushed himself to be the best.

Similarly, Elon Musk's famous quote, "You have to work like hell," underscores the importance of hard work. Musk explains that if you work 80-hour weeks while others work 40-hour weeks, you can achieve in four months what others accomplish in a year. This dedication to going above and beyond is what sets successful individuals apart.

A Call to Action for IT Company Owners

For IT company owners, the question is clear: Are you running a "lifestyle" business, doing just enough to get by, or are you striving for greatness like Kobe Bryant and Elon Musk? The choice between the bare minimum and showing your flair can determine the trajectory of your business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Joanna's defiance in Office Space is relatable and humorous, it's a reminder that doing the bare minimum is not the path to success. Whether you're an engineer, salesperson, owner, or CEO, showing your flair and going above and beyond is what will set you apart and drive your business forward.