On the Job by Anita Bruzzese What the Big Bang Theory Really Teaches Us

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese What the Big Bang Theory Really Teaches Us I am not crazy. My mother had me tested.Sheldon Cooper Devoted fans of the television show, The Big Bang Theory, rejoiced when the sitcom about a bunch of nerdy guys entered its eighth season this year, with some 18 million people tuning in for the seasons opener. But even though its Americas most watched show, critics have not been as enthusiastic. One reviewer recently commented that he not only doesnt watch the show, but he doesnt know anyone who does. The show consistently loses out on an Emmy, even though Jim Parsons has won four Emmy awards for playing Sheldon Cooper. So what is it about this show that grabs the attention of so many people despite its lack of critical acclaim? Could it be that we love the fact that the nerd culture has gone mainstream? That for once instead of being stuffed inside a locker by a high school bully, the nerd is successful, has friends and is fun to be around? One thing that cannot be denied by the constant presence of Big Bang (it runs in syndication all hours of the day and night), is that is has exposed many people to the true gifts of the geeks and nerds in this world. The show has made it clear that nerds are capable of more than just writing code or solving a complicated math problem they are also creative, innovative andcollaborative. If managers are smart, theyll take the shows message to heart: Its time to let nerds be nerds. In other words, stop trying to make them fit in. Theyll never be like other employees and thats a good thing. If managers learn to embrace a geeks geekiness, organizations can become more competitive, and learn to work smarter and more efficiently. By giving nerds the freedom to be themselves, we all may learn valuable lessons and benefit from these brilliant minds. Heres how: Innovation never stops.While some workers may check work emails after hours, nerds are going to do much more than that. Theyre going to think about what theyre working on even during their off hours, because theyre happiest when their brains are challenged. Managers shouldnt watch the clock when theyve got nerds on their team these employees are always going to be seeking challenges and striving for solutions. Consider this clip of Howard working on his robot arm even when hanging out (read more here) - See more at: http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2014/10/20/big-bang-theorys-biggest-lesson-let-nerds-be-nerds/#sthash.LnRsmoZ6.dpuf