Even if you haven’t seen the movies, Star Wars has some pretty famous lines that have become staples in popular culture. In addition to being deep and philosophical, they are often applicable to everyday life or even business relationships. As a celebration for May the 4th, a punny day celebrating everything Star Wars, Outsource Consultants has broken down how each of these four famous movie quotes relates to the BPO industry. Which quotes resonate most with your company and its outsourcing needs?
“May the Force be with you.” – Han Solo, A New Hope, 1977
In the original films, smuggler Han Solo and Jedi Luke Skywalker form a bond while saving the galaxy. Presented as a final goodbye and “good luck” from Solo to Skywalker before departing the planet Yavin 4, this line illustrates the comradery between the two characters. Despite their differences and Solo’s disbelief in the Force, a near-magical ability, he sends his ally off with a gesture of goodwill.
Sometimes, having a partnership and working towards a common goal means embracing differences between yourself and the ones you collaborate with. Often this kind of open communication, such as with Solo and Skywalker, can further strengthen bonds. That’s why companies that value relationship building and long-term partnerships with an outsource call center partner will be drawn to these words.
Mutual respect and consideration are key to any business relationship. If your partnership with your BPO falls far short of Luke and Han’s, it may be time to set your sights on a new provider. While minor transgressions (like failing to resist the urge to reply, “And also with you,” when you hear this quote) can be overlooked, you shouldn’t be afraid to expect excellence from your outsource call center partner.
“I love you.” “I know.” – Princess Leia and Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back, 1980
Captured by villainous Darth Vader and facing imprisonment in carbonite, Princess Leia and Han Solo have a touching moment. Leia finally finds the courage to confess her love to Han Solo, expecting that he may not survive his ordeal. Although this line is comedic because of Solo’s flippancy, many believe his lackluster response was his way of saying, “We’ll continue this conversation when I’m free.”
Regardless of how you view this response from Solo, it’s impossible to overlook how one-sided the exchange is. As much as Leia may feel Solo’s commitment, not hearing the words out loud probably left her feeling a little hurt. If you’re Leia in this scenario, it may be time to upgrade your BPO partner to someone who values the partnership enough to show it. Maybe your company has had a couple of not-so-great relationships with BPO partners, but you should always be open to new opportunities for a worthwhile commitment. On the other hand, if you feel you’re more like Han Solo, you may want to consider working to build a stronger relationship with the partner you currently have.
Working with a BPO partner is a two-way street and requires equal dedication from both parties. Knowing when and where an imbalance occurs is the first step to overcoming miscommunications and creating a stronger collaboration.
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back, 1980
Spoken by the wise teacher, Yoda, to a frustrated Luke Skywalker, these words speak to how a person can lack a commitment to a goal. Skywalker is attempting to use the Force in this famous scene but finds that he isn’t able to. As he learns how to control his new skill, this piece of advice becomes one of the first lessons Yoda bestows upon the young Jedi knight.
As opposed to saying, “I’m trying,” Yoda is telling the young Jedi that he must be more certain of his abilities. Although you may set out to attain a certain result, it will remain out of reach unless you are steadfast in your efforts. Simply saying you will try is not the same as saying you will do something.
If this quote speaks to you, then you know that setting a goal and following it to completion is an area of importance to your organization. A half-baked commitment from your outsourcing partners to achieve specific metrics won’t impress you or leave you feeling secure. Although missed KPIs happen and progress takes time, at some point a BPO provider consistently saying, “We’re trying,” is no longer acceptable.
“What’s in there?” “Only what you take with you.”– Luke Skywalker & Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back, 1980
As Skywalker prepares to enter a cave that will show his inner darkness and fears, the wise teacher Yoda leaves him these words of advice. According to Yoda, if Luke walks into the cave with fear, that’s all he will find. Instead, Luke needs to make room in his mind for positivity and light.
Even in the context of putting in effort and work, this quote is meaningful. The hope is that if you maintain your relationships and openly communicate your priorities with your outsourcing collaborator, they will do the same for you. Mutual respect is easier to show when both parties do so and is what inspires a collaborative effort.
What your company “brings in” extends even to the outsourcing call center search process. Providing a partner with incomplete or inaccurate requirements and expectations will not allow them to plan for your needs. Instead, entering the search process with a clear understanding of your business needs makes finding the perfect BPO partner much easier.
Feeling Inspired?
If any of these quotes inspired you to look for a new BPO partner! Outsource Consultants is here to help with our highly qualified team. Join the Jedi order and elevate your outsourcing by requesting your no-obligation call center cost proposal to help navigate the world of outsourcing options.
