If you watch TV chances are at some point you've come across the notoriously acid-tongued Judge Judy. With equal parts wit and bootstrap compassion she effortlessly dispatches those poor souls who find themselves in her court. Although the show may seem silly to some it is no joke in the ratings department routinely beating Oprah for the title of Queen of Daytime TV.The 67 year old has been on TV for fourteen years and shows no sign of slowing down. Why would she when the runaway success of her show and four best selling books have landed her in the Forbes Top 100 Richest Celebrities in Hollywood. She works 52 days a year , shuttles her 11 grandchildren around in her private jet and has a $45 million a year contract that runs through 2013. Not a bad gig.
So what makes her show so successful?
"She is the epitome of tough love," Gallagher says. "But she knows love isn't just about tenderness; sometimes love is best expressed by a swift kick in the tush. She holds people to account for their bad behavior. Judge Judy understands that some people change when they see the light, but most people change only when they feel the heat."
Read the rest here and decide for yourself what makes Judge Judy such a hit. Maybe you'll be able to glean a few lessons from her success without having to face her in the courtroom.
