Editor’s Note: With the Academy Awards nearly here, TLNT asked some prominent thought leaders for insights on their favorite movie with a HR management theme. We’ll feature one a day up to the Oscar ceremony on Feb. 27.

By Sharlyn Lauby

There’s absolutely no reason to learn everything the hard way. If there is a list, a show, a book or something that will keep me from making a mistake, I’m all for it.

This is why I really like “The Secret of My Success.” Besides the fact that I grew up with Michael J. Fox as the super ambitious junior business executive Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties and I’m looking forward to hearing his keynote at this year’s SHRM Annual Conference in Las Vegas, the movie is just one of those feel good, have a laugh and learn something films we all like to watch.

To refresh your memory, the movie is about Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox) a young college grad from Kansas who is determined to become a successful business person in New York City. After a few initial setbacks, he finds work in the mail room of his uncle’s conglomerate.  When he’s not moving up the corporate ladder as fast as he would like, Brantley puts on a suit, takes over an empty office in the C-Suite, and pretends to be a new hire executive.

I’ll try not to give away too many of the funny parts, but along the way, Brantley learns some lessons. As I was watching the movie, I took away seven key points I wanted to share. Read more…