3 Business Lessons
From the Children’s Show Bluey
Written By Bryson Cutler
As a father of three young children, I often find myself allowing them to watch the same show repeatedly until they move on to a new one. However, there is one show that has captivated not only my kids but also many adults: Bluey. This Australian Blue Heeler dog and her family have become a cultural phenomenon. As I’ve mentioned before, you don’t need to have kids to enjoy an episode of Bluey. The show is funny, heartwarming, and unexpectedly offers valuable lessons for both life and business.
Here are the three main lessons Bluey can teach us about being more effective in our workplace:
Creativity
One of the most noticeable aspects of watching an episode of Bluey is the imagination of the Heeler family. This creativity starts with the children, Bluey and Bingo, and extends to their parents, Bandit and Chili. They have a unique ability to see everyday activities and objects as opportunities for fun and engagement, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.
From my experience, finding a solution to any business problem or situation requires some creativity. Just like Bluey’s family thinks outside the box for simple objects, businesses can succeed by allowing leaders and their employees to be creative. Simply, creativity allows you to see beyond the mark and create a company vision.
Communication & Teamwork
As with any real family, some problems can make it difficult to work as a team with each other. In the episode “Postman,” Bluey and Bingo, playing two different games, decide to join their games together: Postman and Ground is Lava. Instead of fighting with each other, they work together to deliver the letter in Bluey’s game while respecting the rules of The Ground is Lava. In the process, they learn that it’s more enjoyable to collaborate rather than constantly arguing about which game to play.
As team members and business leaders collaborate, disagreements are inevitable. What is most important is how you address and compromise on these differences. In my experience, the best teams leverage their unique skills and perspectives while working toward a common goal. They possess the ability to resolve conflicts constructively.
Customer Centric Approach
A common lesson conveyed throughout the Bluey series is the importance of showing compassion and understanding by putting oneself in others’ shoes.
This allows one to better grasp their needs and desires. One notable example can be found in the episode titled “Helicopter.” Bluey starts the game imagining that the tree stump she is sitting on is a helicopter. A friend soon comes by to join in but Bluey makes sure that she is the one in charge of where the helicopter goes. After her friend complains that he is bored, she then decides to focus on where he wants to go. Once she does that, other friends realize how much fun her game is and each take a turn on the helicopter.
A business genuinely connects with its customers when its products or solutions address their needs and desires.
Just like in Bluey’s world, it is essential to empathize with others. This skill is crucial for any business aiming for success. A business genuinely connects with its customers when its products or solutions address their needs and desires. Successful companies market their products and services with this principle in mind. It’s not about the company; it’s all about the customer. All internal policies and discussions should revolve around this focus.
These are just a few of the business lessons that Bluey can teach us. Next time you have some free time and are about to pick a show, put on Bluey and enjoy the life lessons!