I just saw the film Charlie Wilson’s War…and if you haven’t seen it… drop what you’re doing and head to the movies. Do it now. Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman do an incredible history lesson for all of us who may have forgotten the details.

But that’s not all that this movie shows…now that you’ve come back from eating too much salty popcorn, munching red vines and slurping your soda. And it’s not just why this film has been nominated for Awards for writing and acting and should win every top award possible.

Think back. There are at least 5 lessons that you should now have etched in your mind’s eye.

Each one of these principles has a direct application for you–and you can use each one to win big in your very next meeting.

Still scratching your head?

OK. OK. I won’t keep you in suspense.

The Next Meeting Principle 1: Enemies unite against a common enemy.

As you know, Charlie was able to get sworn enemies to work together for a common goal–Israelis, Palestinians, Egyptians, Americans, Christians and Jews…for starters.

This is, as history shows, highly unusual. Yet, these historic adversaries bonded together for a common cause.

How can you use this insight?

If you are heading into a meeting with seeming foes, this should inspire you to new heights. Ask yourself, “What’s possible?” What is the common element that can bring people together? What can you imagine achieving in your next meeting?

If you are still just reading but still haven’t seen the movie–don’t read on until you come back from your trip to your local theater.

The Next Meeting Principle 2: Be yourself and be real.

Charlie Wilson didn’t try to change himself. He continued on drinking, carousing and didn’t make apologies for being the party tiger he was known to be. At least according to the movie portrayal.

For most politicians, an ethics committee investigation would be the death knell of their career. Yet, according to the film, even this did not hurt his cause. When he spoke from his heart, he drew people like a powerful magnet to support a common cause.

He was authentic. Genuine. He wasn’t ‘perfect’ but he was himself.

Instead of hurting his message, it somehow worked to his advantage. His call to action had nothing to do with his personal habits. He was passionate and committed to help a larger cause. People responded.

And the same may be true when you are yourself and authentic about who you are.

People will respond to your passion. Your conviction. Your delivery.
What can you do in meeting with people to be yourself and speak directly from your heart?

The Next Meeting Principle 3: Send one essential emotional message.

Not two. Not three. And certainly not 30. Not a dry non-emotional collection of facts. (like many of the data-stuffed slide presentations you’ve suffered through in the past.) Go for emotion that cuts through mental roadblocks.

There was one message that got to everyone Charlie spoke to. He repeated it again and again. Think about what it was. He got to people. He got to their sense of honor and humanity. He boiled down the whole issue to this statement.

He transformed an incredibly complex situation into one that is profoundly compelling, emotional and simple.

The Next Meeting Principle 4: Help your team use their unique strengths.

I know you’re smiling as you read that one. But everyone in this film portrayed people who had wildly different strengths–from influence, relationship, strategic expertise to political clout and access to million dollar budgets.

Everyone used his or her personal strengths to make this entire ‘presentation’ work. Whether meeting in Washington boardrooms or Pakistan refugee camps or Houstonian mansions–everyone involved played to their special abilities and strengths.

Your team is likely made up of different people with different strengths. Give people a role. Help them find their voice. People on your team want to help–don’t make them into a replica of yourself. That’s not where you’ll get a winning team.

Help each person involved in your next meeting or presentation to shine by using their personal strengths.

The Next Meeting Principle 5: Consider the impact of your approach–both intended and unintended.

There’s a Zen story that by now you know deeply.
(I won’t spoil the film if you still haven’t gotten out of your chair and headed to the theater.)

In the movie, I felt constantly reminded that multiple outcomes can emerge from every action. Some are intended. Some are not. As a famous Zen Master points out even as events seem positive or negative in the moment: “We’ll see…It’s not over until it’s over.”

You can start smart, have a great unifying message, connect people with your cause…but you don’t know if you’ve really achieved what you set out to unless you stay for the finish. And consider what’s the next step beyond the immediate outcome.

What would your invisible Zen master say about your presentation? About your next meeting? Ask yourself. Have you thought through the outcomes?

It’s easy to say…”that meeting was killer!” only to have a negative outcome arise…that you never even thought about. Or to think that ‘that meeting bombed” and later find out that a new client emerged from the ashes–rising as the mythical phoenix.

What is the greater context of your meeting? Are you looking ahead strategically?

I bet as you think about Charlie Wilson’s War, you’ll notice these and likely discover many other principles. That’s the beauty of film and especially historical films that have a living message.

These 5 principles aren’t just true in this film. They are true for your very next meeting. Put them to use and see for yourself. You’ll have a reliable blueprint for winning results with any audience.

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