Everyday Series | Season 1 | Significant Lessons Saturdays | 001 | The Joker
In this episode, we are going to talk about the Joker.
The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in the comic world. He is known as a psychopathic, murdering criminal mastermind who is the antithesis of The Dark Knight, and Heath Ledger's portrayal of the villain only made the Joker more legendary. Despite his antics and psychotic tendencies, many are intrigued by the character. There are lessons consultants, entrepreneurs and leaders can learn from the ever charismatic "Clown Prince of Crime". Here are the lessons he taught me:
Disrupt the Established Order
"Introduce a little anarchy, disrupt the established order and everything becomes chaos."
The Joker in the Dark Knight comes onto the scene and completely changes the game and disrupts the established order. He introduces a different class of criminal who is not driven by what normal criminals want, is responsible for acts that have never been done before and change the landscape of Gotham, so much so that criminals, law enforcers and the Batman alike are all confused. The best always come in and disrupt the environment they are in to create better results, much like Apple, Samsung, Uber and Airbnb. Disrupt the established order as it is only good disruptions that can improve the industry you are in.
Don't fit in because you were meant to stand out
"Don't talk like one of them, you're not! Even if you'd like to be. To them, you're just a freak, like me...See, I'm not a monster, I'm just ahead of the curve."
The Joker is a pure non-conformist to society and how people would expect him to act. He commits crimes simply because he wants to, wears, distinct and custom made clothes with a colour scheme unique to him and plays by rules he creates. He is completely different and unique and takes pride in being able to stand out. In a talk Earl Nightingale gave - The Strangest Secret - he notes that the enemy of progress is not cowardice but conformity. Though there are times to comply, it is best to remain a unique individual and not conform for the sake of conforming.
Have a meticulous plan
"Do I really look like a guy with a plan?"
As a criminal mastermind, even though he says he doesn't, the joker is a man with a meticulous well thought out plan. This is evidenced in the mob heist, being caught by the police so he could break out Lao, the hospital at Gotham general and the explosives on the two boats in the movie the Dark Knight. All great things, technology, industry and buildings come from a meticulous and well thought out plan. We should also plan our lives to as much detail as possible to work towards great results.
Know your value
"If you're good at something never do it for free"
In his talk 'Own Your Industry' Douglas Kruger notes that if you are an expert with specialist skills, you are paid and renowned 10 times more than the person who is not an expert. The joker is extremely good at what he does and he knows his value hence when he was asked why he had not taken out the batman he said 'If you are good at something, never do it for free." Great work does not come at a discounted price; just ask Rolls Royce and Aston Martin for a 50% discount and you will get turned away at the door because they know their value. Know your value and don't be taken for granted even though you do charitable work and give back to people.
It's not always the money but rather the message you stand for that counts
"It's not about money. It's about sending a message. All you care about is money. This city deserves a better class of criminal and I'm gonna give it to them."
There is a scene in the Dark Knight movie where the Joker burns money and the criminals are astounded and hurt because their heart lies in their money. The Joker believes in a message and symbol that you stand for rather than the money you can make. Money is a result, and will always a result of a strong desire and message that you stand for. Money comes and goes but a strong message and ideal endure. As the Joker became a better class of criminal, so you should be a better class of person who lives for a worthy ideal instead of money.
Have fun
Why so serious?
Why so serious is the most iconic line in the entire movie and has a strong message behind it: have fun in what you do. The Joker's quirky character and crimes are based on the concept of fun, even though the fun maybe sinister and dark. In all your endeavours learn to have some fun. If you don't you may become jaded and will end up resenting what you do. Have fun and enjoy life and to those who are not doing so, ask them the question "why so serious?"
