Shane, Stagehands & the Power of Black
“He came into our valley that spring, a solitary figure, loping silently down the rutted dirt highway, seemingly at one with the stallion who carried him effortlessly closer to our homestead. As he neared the porch where I sat, savoring the afternoon, his slim figure took on shape and dimension. He paused for a moment at the gate to our farm, gazed at me, contemplating the choice; then turned and proceeded down our lane. Dressed in black from the Stetson pulled low over the brow down to the hand tooled belt and matching boots; he comprised an alluring figure of seduction and of quiet, coiled strength – not menace exactly, but of dangerous confidence.”
-Excerpt from Shane
By Jack Schaefer
“People, everyone got your uniform on (black)? Remember, we are invisible and omnipresent! This show requires a lot of perfectly coordinated staging and the audience doesn’t care who turns the machinery. If they see us, we all lose. If they see the actors, we all win. Be great! Be invisible!”
-Anonymous Broadway Stage Manager
Shane: the Great American Western, was about a gunslinger – albeit an unusual one. He came into town quietly, unarmed, without display and went to work as a hand on a small farm in service of a family trying to wring a living from the prairie soil. In the course of the novel, his presence inspired a man, a woman and a small boy – in each case providing an example of someone of great strength, character and skill without the egotistical need to flaunt or boast. His power was revealed in the way his inviting silence and subtle questions both allowed and challenged the people in his presence to grow.
Stagehands also wear black, so as to fade into invisibility as they assist the production unfolding on the stage. Their presence, dedication and skill allow the story on stage to present itself; and their black uniform helps us to suspend our disbelief.
At Fusion, we too are Gunslingers of a fashion. We arrive without fanfare, quietly waiting for access to the conference facility, where we bring about a miracle of training and facilitation, effortlessly encouraging the shy ones, and challenging the strong ones to better performance and loftier aspirations. Communication is an intimate act – and coaching the evolution of a personal style requires the skillful blend of great technique, subtle questioning of deep assumptions, and warmth mixed with leadership – all in someone who doesn’t need to show off. We wear black first of all to remind us that though we may be fast, we are in service of something greater than our own reputation. We’re here for You.
Excellent Training requires a rare combination of charisma, intellect and The Schlep. We rise at 5:30 after traveling to the site on the previous day. We’ve assessed the resources, negotiated with the conference manager, set up the room, prepared the materials and rehearsed the training modules. Now, we’re in the room and ready as the participants arrive. Wearing black; are we Gunslingers? Well, yes. But also stagehands because we’re going to give directions to the lavatory, set the schedule for breaks, answer every question, handle the special dietary needs and lead/direct/coach/coax the reluctant participants throughout the sometimes harrowing and intense process of becoming excellent communicators. Once, perhaps twice; we’ll need to show you how it’s done – not to defeat you – one-on-one, but as a teaching example of skill – in service of a big idea. You’re not up against a killer, but sparring with a friend who shows you a path to your own greatness. Polishing a gem does require a little friction… When it’s over, we break the room down, pack our bags and hail a cab. Gunslingers yeah, but also stagehands, fading into the crowd.
Sometimes the greatness lies in being invisible.
Applications:
1. Personally
Consider taking the “Shane” approach to life. You may find yourself of greater stature in the eyes of everyone. There’s something different about you, something special, reassuring and comforting about your presence.
2. At home
Consider becoming a more willing Stagehand. Make stars of your partner or children for a day, week or a lifetime.
3. Professionally
Make the team stronger by being a more supporting player. You may need to take center stage now and then, but get over it quickly and remember; You’re there for them.
Wear a little black next meeting and remember; greatness lies in the willingness to become invisible.
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