top of page
Writer's pictureBlue Bull Recruitment

What lessons can we learn from the film Monsters University?


I love all films (not noticed that yet? Where have you been?)


Whether it is a Cult Classic like The Lost Boys, Disney, Die Hard or Lethal Weapon or a soppy 'Chick Flick' I love them all - Except horror because I am a wimp!


I thought it was time for a funny kids cartoon, one I used to love watching with or without the kids and I would recommend it to anyone. It does. however, have some really good lessons that we can all learn from in business, recruitment and hiring.


In the colorful world of Monstropolis, where monsters roam and scare young children as a job, Pixar's "Monsters University" offers more than just laughs and thrills; it provides valuable insights into the intricacies of recruitment, teamwork, and the power of perseverance.


As we look in to the adventures of Sully and Mike, we uncover a treasure trove of lessons that will resonate deeply with a lot of people who have been interviewed and hired for a job. 


At the heart of "Monsters University" are two unlikely characters: Sully, the heir to a prestigious family legacy, and Mike, a determined underdog with dreams bigger than his 'cute' and tiny size.


Despite their starkly different backgrounds, both characters share a common goal: to become top scarers at Monsters, Inc after passing Monsters University. However, their journey to success is far from straightforward, filled with challenges, setbacks, and valuable lessons along the way.


One of the most striking lessons from "Monsters University" is the display of entitlement and the importance of hard work.


Sully, with his illustrious family name and reputation, initially believes he has a "free pass" to success. However, he quickly learns that talent alone is not enough to achieve his goals; it requires dedication, perseverance, and the willingness to put in the hard yards alongside his peers.


"You don't need to study scaring, you just do it."

Similarly, Mike faces his own set of challenges, constantly being told that he doesn't have what it takes to succeed as a scarer due to his lack of innate scariness.


Despite the discouragement and skepticism he faces, Mike refuses to give up on his dreams. Instead, he throws himself into his studies, working tirelessly to prove his worth and overcome the odds stacked against him.


The dynamic between Sully and Mike serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of collaboration and support in the workplace. Initially, Sully attempts to help Mike by resorting to dishonest means, believing that his friend's success reflects on his own. However, this ultimately backfires, highlighting the importance of believing in each other's abilities and working together as equals.

Mike: "You'll never know what it's like to fail, because you were born a Sullivan!" Sullley: "Yeah I'm the Sullivan! I'm the Sullivan that flunked every test, the one who got kicked out of the program, the one who was so afraid to let everyone down that I cheated! And I lied!"

Another pivotal moment in the film occurs when Sully and Mike are tasked with assembling a team for the Scare Games, an annual competition that pits fraternity houses against each other.


Despite facing ridicule and skepticism from their peers, Sully and Mike assemble a diverse team of monsters who have all been made to feel useless and unsuccessful, each with their own unique strengths and talents though.


Together, they defy expectations and prove that success can come from unexpected places.

"Monsters University" also challenges the notion of conformity and the dangers of making assumptions based on appearances or qualifications. Throughout the film, characters are judged and dismissed based on stereotypes, only to prove their worth through their actions and perseverance.


This serves as a powerful reminder for hiring managers to look beyond superficial attributes and recognise the potential in every individual.


In conclusion, "Monsters University" is more than just a children's animated film; it's a treasure trove of valuable lessons on recruitment, teamwork, and the power of perseverance.


By embracing the principles of hard work, collaboration, and inclusivity, companies can build diverse teams that thrive in the face of adversity and achieve greatness.


So, the next time you're recruiting for your team, remember the lessons of Sully and Mike, and dare to look beyond the surface to discover the true potential of every candidate baed on their own ability and merit, not your idea of perfect!


A closing quote from Dean Hardscrabble from the University:

"You two have managed to accomplish something together no one ever has: you surprised me."

0 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page