What Leaders Can Learn from Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are coming to DC tonight. Unfortunately, I don't have tickets but I do have an iPod full of the Boss's music and great memories of a Springsteen show I saw a few years ago. What is it about Springsteen and the band that inspires such loyalty among their legions of followers? Apart from drifting on rock and roll fantasies, what can leaders learn from the Boss and the heart stopping, house rocking, earth shaking, legendary E Street Band?
In a brief interview with the Washington Post's J. Freedom du Lac (how's that for a very cool name?), E Street guitarist Nils Lofgren provides some insights on the Boss for leaders who want to rock the house.
Keep It Fresh: Lofgren says that Springsteen is surprising the band in the middle of shows by calling out classic cover songs that they haven't worked up ahead of time. As Neils says, "we're playing songs we don't even know how to play, which, I guess is taking improv to new heights." By stretching the band in this way, Springsteen is introducing a fresh element that adds some fun and keeps everyone engaged. What are you doing to keep it fresh for your team?
Experience Matters: Of course, if you're going to play songs you don't know in an arena full of people, it helps if you have some experience. As Lofgren points out, "we've probably got 300 to 400 years onstage" between the different members of the band. As discussed in recent posts, experience and practice leads to world class performance. As a leader, what kind of experience matters most to the results that you and your team are expected to deliver? What are you doing to recruit and develop that experience?
Take a Stand: Springsteen has a history of clearly stating his point of view and writing songs that illustrate where he stands. His fans may not always agree with him on every issue, but most of them appreciate his authenticity. Lofgren talks about this at some length in the interview. As a leader, what matters enough to you to take a stand and stick with it? What are you doing to communicate those principles?
Bring Your Soul: If you've seen Springsteen in concert, you know that he approaches his performance as a spiritual revival. Lofgren argues that "what I think Bruce is doing better than any performer today; he's giving the audience, yes, an escape but also maybe some spiritual hope and confidence that they didn't have when they walked in the doors at 8." The Boss brings his soul to the performance and turns it loose. That's what connects with people. I'm not suggesting that you slide across the floor of your office on your knees at your next staff meeting (although if you do, please send a video), but what are you doing to let your team know what you think is worth being passionate about?
OK, so that's my list. All you hard rocking Springsteen fans out there, what would you add?
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Executive coach Scott Eblin’s goal is to help you succeed at the next level of leadership. Throughout the week, he’ll offer his take on the leadership lessons in the news and his advice on your most pressing leadership questions. A former government executive, Scott is a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and is the author of The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success.
Scott, Great article!
Skip Weisman Posted Monday, May 18, 2009 11:06 PMI've seen Bruce with and without the E Street Band 62 times since 1980 and have been a huge fan since 1976, for all of the reasons you write and more. In 2007 after returning from a "Magic" Tour Show I wrote this article : href="http://www.SkipWeisman.com/articles2/strategy/businessstrategyfrombrucespringsteen.shtml"
target="_blank">"Business Strategy from Bruce Springsteen -
How Business Leaders Can Become the Boss of their Industry"
After seeing him a few weeks ago, I wrote this blog post:
href="http://championorganizations.wordpress.com/2009/04/25/ive-found-my-inspiration-what-inspires-you/"
target="_blank">"I've Found My Inspiration - What Inspires You?"
Thanks for recognizing and sharing your thoughts on Bruce's inspiring approach to serving his fans and leaving a legacy on the world of music and beyond!
Skip
Saw Bruce and the E St Band last month and was amazed at the connection they have with the audience. Saw them in the 80's and they haven't lost it. His music speaks to me on so many levels I can't find one to highlight; however, my wife and I both agree that Bruce has a career in holy-rollin' preachin when he retires from rock and roll.
Richard Black Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 8:50 AMGiving Back: Bruce has always given a portion of his proceeds to charity, and encourages his fans to bring canned food to his concerts to be donated to local food banks. It's important that leaders reach out, not only to their local community but also to others in their organization, to give back of themselves; it could be mentoring, organizing a roadside trash pickup, or volunteering with a local charity. It's a great example for those who follow, as well as their peers.
Tom Redwine Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 9:08 AMGood article, Scott.
I would add, as a leadership characteristic, his obvious TRUST in his colleagues/team. It is his faith in their innate talents, in their ability to adjust, and his confidence that they will embrace his fervor, that permits improvisation and cohesion.
Henry Romero Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:19 AMSimilar to others, I've seen the Boss perform several times, including his performance at HBO's pre-innaugural concert on the Mall in January. I even took my kids to see him with the E-Street Band in Richmond last summer (a 50th birthday present to myself). I would add that Bruce has a good sense of the importance of tradition. Therefore, he's willing to take a step back and pay homage to his roots, whether reflected through a folk song (e.g. This Land is Your Land), an older rock song (e.g. Twist and Shout), or one of his older songs (e.g., "Lost in the Flood"), as well as his beloved mega hits (e.g., "Born to Run"). Some artists are selfish with their music, limiting themselves to the album/CD they are currently trying to sell plus a few hits for their encore. Bruce gives it all, and he does so consistently, and that's why the audience keeps coming back for more. Leaders perform best when they remember some of the blood and sweat from the past that helped to pave the way for the present, and then mentor those within their sphere of influence in a manner that will provide the road ahead for success in the future.
Mike Bobrick Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 1:45 PM"Trust in his colleagues/team" may be a stretch given Springsteen's messy affairs and divorces with female band members. Be careful on making too much of entertainment role models.
Scot Faulkner Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2009 12:54 PMvery nice - all very true -
pamela chupp Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2009 2:50 PManother quality - he makes you part of his vision, therefore, you feel integral to the plan and you feel personally validated - gifted leaders do this too