Why Sesame Street still ROCKS!

Why Sesame Street still ROCKS! l You’re never too old to learn from Sesame Street.  How the fundamentals of teamwork and simple social graces are modeled by the characters from the street.

The Sesame Workshop has  an online, beautiful, visually engaging timeline highlighting the 40 years that Sesame Street has been a part of our lives. Many companies and corporations would be envious of a 40 year lifespan. So what is it exactly that makes Sesame Street timeless? As with any company Sesame Street has people who are dedicated to its success. Not to mention their dedication to diversity in the workplace. But still there is something else.

In 2009 iVillage asked “Which Sesame Street character are you?”, with a quiz for people to take to find if they were more like Big Bird or Oscar the Grouch. This is the something else. The ability and desire people have to identify with and emulate the Sesame Street characters. People love to speculate if Bert and Ernie are gay, and if Big Bird is transgender. Though such speculation may be fun we love them more for their ability to simplify life, and  show us despite whatever differences we have we can get along and be nice to one another.

A Leader Whose Shoes are Hard to Fill

Let us consider the team leader Big Bird. He is obviously tall, yellow, awkward, the quintessential nerd, but he doesn’t let that stop him from having fun. He usually can be counted on to see the glass as half full and tries to help see it too. He is kind, patient, and openly loves his teddy bear Radar, and his glum friend Mr. Snuffleupagus. Others may point and laugh but he doesn’t care. He is loyal and nurtures those around him. He holds no grudges or judgments’. He doesn’t have a competitive bone in his body and he doesn’t provoke competitiveness in others. For Big Bird it is  all about maintaining relationships, and what can be created and accomplished together.

The Heavy

Oscar, oh Oscar, he needs help seeing the bright side. Though he’s the classic glass half empty kind of Muppet, he is willing to consider other points of view. He’s just a classic introvert and the others respect his need for space. While some might find him to be unfriendly, he just needs to understand things on his own terms. While Big Bird is the leader, Oscar is more likely to make sure Big Bird doesn’t get taken for a ride, or beaten up. Oscar is the one you want on your team in case something goes wrong. He will run damage control and will get his hands dirty if needed. Though he grumbles out loud, on the inside he appreciates and values his friends.

The Dynamic Duo

Then there’s Bert and Ernie who are perpetual roommates. They are the classic odd couple. It doesn’t matter to Ernie that Bert has no patience, and it doesn’t really seem to bother Bert that Ernie drives him crazy. Maybe they are dysfunctional, or maybe they complement each other, and each appreciates and admires the others strong points. Whatever it is their relationship works. Not to mention that Bert despite his bravado falls to pieces when Ernie isn’t around. Ernie is also a nurturer, and helps Bert to be his best Bert. In any endeavor Bert’s going to handle the finances and handle the paperwork. Ernie will manage the creatives’ and run interference.

The Creatives’

Cookie Monster, Kermit, Grover, Prairie Dawn, The Count, Elmo, Rosita, Telly, Abby, and Zoe are the crew, the worker bees, and the creatives’. Though their emotions fluctuate, and they may become easily bored, maybe even rebellious, they make associations others don’t. They are the fuel any project needs to become great. This group does not want to lead, and would prefer to be in the mix. They are the bedrock of any project. Without creative types books like E. L. James’s 50 shades of Grey would literally be about 50 shades of Grey. Standouts in the group include Elmo and Kermit. Elmo is a good fit for public relations with Kermit writing the press releases.

Work to be Them

Throughout the years the Sesame Street characters have overcome their differences to  complete projects, such as teaching children their ABC’s and numbers. It appears pretty obvious that adults looking for a little inspiration can look to the characters of the Street and find that inspiration. It’s all about appreciating your team differences and nurturing each other’s strengths with the goal of being envied by the competition.

About the Author:

The author is Diana Neal. As a nurse she has had her fair share of career struggles. She is currently an intern with the Marketing Zen Group and writes on behalf of Ask Ajna. She can be contacted atdiana@marketingzen.com or on Twitter @indiananeal