S t a r M a t e r i a l

(Psych Game...Try This!)

The Rule: Say the first thing that pops into your head.

Ready? Game. Let's play...

You are the manager of an up-and-coming band. They've got the look, they've got the talent but for some reason, the records just aren't selling as well as you know they could. Why do you think they haven't been able to make their break into the big time? Give the one reason you see behind their lack of popularity.

Now, the meaning of your answer...

Perhaps a manager's most important function is to size up a client's strengths and weaknesses with a cold, objective eye and order the changes that need to be made. By placing yourself in the role of the manager, you took on this same critical perspective. And that piercing gaze quickly located a shortcoming that you have seen but may have been unable consciously to acknowledge in yourself.

Did you say the problem was bad timing (Yes, that's my answer!), lack of connections, or simply an industry wide-slump in record sales? It's easy to blame all your failings on the outside world, even in your subconscious. Perhaps what you're really trying to say is that your greatest weakness is your inability to accept responsibility and take charge of your destiny. (Sigh. That's so true in my case. I tend to flee from responsibility like someone being chased by a mad bull.)

If the problem was turmoil or infighting among the members of the band, it's likely that you too are plagued by inner conflicts. If you want to be a star, first you're going to have to become your biggest fan.

If you felt the problem was that the band didn't pay enough attention to their fans, you might want to try taking better care of the people in your life. Remember, it's the people who love you that made you into the star material you are.

From the book, Kokology 2
by Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito