Perspectives Dallas Chapter of ASTD Membership Newsletter May 2008 Table of Contents
Lessons from a Rock Legend on How to Run a Successful Business©
By George Hendley
Can we be frank? What can you honestly say you've learned from your boss in the last week on how to run a successful business? How about the last month? Have you learned how to win friends and influence people? How about how to stop worrying and start living? What about how to get control of your time and your life? I didn't think so.
OK, I'll stop making you feel bad that you have the boss that you do. But would you like to hear what I learned from 'The Boss' in just one 3-hour block of time? I'm glad you said yes, because you're about to have a lesson or two on how to have your best life now, both at work and beyond. This is important stuff, so if you're ready to have fun and learn some great lessons, let's begin.
First Things First
'The Boss' I'm referring to is none other than the rock icon and legend Bruce Springsteen. On a Sunday evening just a few weeks ago I joined 18,000 people, most of them diehard fans, for an intimate and memorable evening of music and management lessons on how to run a successful business. Well, the other 17,999 folks didn't come for that second reason; but I figured that while I was there as an observer of life, I may as well walk away with something more than a mild case of ringing in my ears. And you get to receive the benefits if you'll read this carefully, consider the lessons shared and realize that all of life is a stage and we are merely players on it.
First, break all the rules. That's the first lesson for you to learn and you must keep first things first. If you're going to go from average to good and good to great you should remember that 'The Boss' isn't a conformer. Bruce Springsteen has become a legend over the past three decades because he does his thing, not someone else's thing. And he does it in his own inimitable way.
He pushes the envelope all the way to the top and beyond because he's not afraid of the critics. And he's made millions being who he is: the personified icon who lives and sings his thoughts in multi-million dollar melodies for the masses who adore him. He not only breaks all the rules but rewrites them for others to follow if they dare, just like the Pied Piper with an attitude.
Now Discover Your Strengths
Within minutes of being seated to wait and wait and wait for the show to begin, you know that 'The Boss' knows what his strengths are and what they aren't. He isn't engaged in all the many and myriad set up issues, marketing issues, crowd seating and feeding issues, nor any of the hundreds of time and energy consuming puzzle pieces that must be put together and set in motion to make it all work.
While in search of excellence, his role is that of the ultimate performer. The lesson is clear: to put all of his energy and focus into that role, he masterfully delegates all that he must not touch to keep himself in a position and place of strength. He exemplifies the power of positive thinking, working as the maestro of the moment, when he hits the stage and commands the total attention of his adoring fans. When 'The Boss' walks in, people pay attention. The music machine begins to whir while the pulse of the people begins to beat in syncopated rhythm together. You feel and know the magic of believing that you are in the presence of greatness.
The Speed of Trust
From the moment you enter the American Airlines center for this business lesson you realize that 'The Boss' could be considered the one-minute millionaire. Why? The marketing machine is in full, fast and furious operation. Memorabilia for the masses is snatched up, worn and waved as the money in green paper and multicolored plastic was quickly changing hands. Minute by minute, millions of dollars are passing quickly from one place or person to another in this small and bustling music marketplace. And it is all built on the speed of trust.
The lesson is simple: the character and competence of 'The Boss' was established and unquestioned because of his decades of delivering what the crowd wants. And he does that well, exceptionally well. He works the seven habits of highly effective people into an art form and knows that he can trust his audience to be in the moment with him. It is a relationship like none other, and the lessons continue to be delivered for those who have "ears to see and eyes to hear." Do you get it?
Primal Leadership with a Primal Beat
Bruce leads the band but doesn't lord it over the band; he always gives room for the best performer during that song to really shine. He is totally in touch with the individual band members and their emotional intelligence as they, along with him, listen and respond to the emotional ebb and flow of the audience from moment to moment. It is the primal heart beat of understanding people on a deep emotional level.
Sharing his greetings from his wife and children as if the audience is family, he also celebrates his drummer's 57th birthday with the 18,000 members of his momentary family away from home, who are willing and happy to celebrate that day as well. This lesson is also simple: to become one with the audience and his band, in mind and emotion, to capture, elevate and engage the total person and not just their paychecks or pocketbooks. It is elegant, purposeful and another reason for his lengthy and very prosperous success.
Built to Last
Similar to the longevity of the Rolling Stones, Springsteen shows very few signs of wear and tear. He lives the lesson of building your life on your passion and doing all that you do with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
His music and his mantra are made to stick to your mind, cling to your emotions and reverberate in your cranium for ever. It is the sign and lesson of finding your niche and then reinventing yourself and your product to not grow old, tired and worn out. This lesson has much to do with a purpose driven life that carries you and all you do well beyond the moment and equates with leaving a legacy surpassing your physical existence. It is this kind of lesson that fuels not only a successful business but also a successful life. What is the music that you hear?
Editor's Note: We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the 18 esteemed authors whose book titles are incorporated in this article.
About the Author: George Hendley works with coaches, consultants and business leaders who are successful, but not satisfied. He is an award winning mentor and Diamond level distributor for Inscape Publishing and is in the top 1% of sales leaders in the world. George is a coach, consultant and author and expects to publish his first book in 2008. Contact George at 972.234.4377 or George@georgehendleypresents.com. Sign up for George’s free ezine at http://tinyurl.com/27kep7.