In 2002, Junkie XL remixed a song first recorded by Elvis Presley in 1968 and used in one of his movies, Live a Little, Love a Little. The single went straight to No.1 in more than 20 countries. “A Little Less Conversation†became an anthem that was used in the soundtracks of movies from Bruce Almighty to Ocean’s 13.
It also became a favourite line for journalists and commentators to use every time they were dissatisfied. Politicians of all persuasions were asked for “a little less conversation and a little more action.†Executives spanning the entire economic spectrum from the health to the financial sectors were directed to have “a little less conversation and take a little more action.â€
But if journalists saw the resurgence of the song as an opportunity to capitalize temporarily on its popularity, business leaders should have recognized it as the best articulation of one of their most entrenched and mistaken beliefs — actions speak louder than words.