In everything we do, there will be different stakeholders that will influence our actions and our decisions.
While some stakeholders may be crucial in realising your goals, servicing their interests should not detract from the impact you’re trying to make.
If you put their needs over the end user, you risk diluting your value and leaving everyone lesser for it.
Priya Parker provides an excellent example of this in her book The Art of Gathering.
“If you need some inspiration to push back against those sponsors, consider the case of George Lucas. When he was filming the original Star Wars, he wanted a bold launch for his movie. The Directors Guild of America protested. Most films at the time started by naming the writer and director in the opening title sequence—in this case, thanking the film’s creators rather than its sponsors. It was how things were done. Despite the protests of the Directors Guild, Lucas decided to forgo opening credits entirely. The result was one of the most memorable beginnings in movie history. And he paid for it—the Directors Guild fined him $250,000 for his daring. His loyalty was to his audience’s experience, and he was willing to sacrifice for it. You should be, too.”
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