Today is May 4th, the official day of celebration for all things Star Wars. On the surface, comparisons between George Lucas’ epics and our Battersea co working office may seem sparse but look a little closer – there are lessons to be learnt from a galaxy far, far away.
1. The best co workers are Jedi at heart
The Jedi qualities are aspirational for everyone, and co workers especially. Jedis are fearless – think Luke Skywalker taking on Darth Vader, or the indomitable spirit of Rey – and fearlessness in the workplace is essential if you’re starting your own business.
Jedis are flexible: remember Leia’s speeder bike chase on Endor? And it’s the capacity to work flexibly that stands co workers in good stead.
Jedis also require obstinate belief in their own ability. They won’t feel it at first, and have to work hard to improve their skills – sound like a co worker you know?
Like this? Read Why co-working improves your work-life balance
2. Co-operation is key
Do you think the Death Star would ever have been built – twice – without teamwork? Do you think the Resistance would have survived the First Order’s onslaught without like-minded thinking?
Star Wars teaches us that we are better together and can achieve more when we work as a team. It’s co working down to a t.
3. Your environment matters
All co workers value relaxed, beautiful surrounds in which to work. If your environment is too plain, too harsh or too inhospitable then your objectives will be unobtainable.
It’s why the Anakine and Luke Skywalker couldn’t stay on Tatooine and it’s perhaps what draws co workers out from cookie-cutter, corporate offices into more shared offices.
4. Asking for help can help you
“Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.” With this immortal line, Leia proved that even princesses need assistance sometimes.
This is where co working comes into its own: co workers are surrounded by other businesses, which means you have a wealth of wisdom and resource at your fingertips. Sometimes you’ll want to take on the Stormtroopers single handed; for the other times, all you need do is ask.
5. The future is digital
If there is anything Star Wars has taught us about co working it’s that digital is the future.
Whether you’re creating X-wing battles with CGI or communicating with your team via Asana; whether you’re making sadly deceased characters fly through space, or picking up your laptop and working anywhere in the world, co working facilitates digital enterprise like nothing else.
Star Wars has given us a depiction of the future on the big screen. Co working has shown us the future of our working lives.
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