What
can you learn and apply in your community?
A professional
colleague of our company’s CEO shared a classic Springsteen and the E-Street
band video as a great example of leadership and how teams work creatively. So this idea is not original with CMA, but we
thought it worth sharing. Whether you’re
a Springsteen fan or not, you’ll be able to observe “how” they make music and
their exuberant enthusiasm in creating an experience for their audience and
themselves.
Bruce and the core
E-Street Band have played together since the early 70s. You can read more of their history on Wikipedia if you’re not already a fan.
Springsteen never
tells the band the playlist until just as the show starts. And band members say
the list doesn’t matter much, because he almost always changes mid-stream. He
is prone to decide in the moment to play a different version of the intended
song. While this may sound unprepared,
for these consummate professionals, it’s an edge that keeps the performance
fresh. As the video illustrates, he
often throws an unplanned song to the band. This is where the leadership
example comes in. Take a few minutes to
watch the video and count the number of leadership traits you can observe.
As our colleague commented when he shared
this link: “There is risk involved.
There is a spontaneity that doesn’t give anybody time to posture or second
guess. The band is watching and waiting while preparing for an experience. They
have probably played 'You Never Can Tell' before, but it is about to become a
live product that they hear as they make it. Note the showcasing of the band
members, especially the horn section. They have not been with the E-Street Band
very long compared to the core members. There is no consulting about their
readiness. Yet Springsteen pulls, not pushes. Most of all, note that
Springsteen and everybody else is simply having fun. It’s contagious.”
Renowned
for his tireless energy and 3 hour ‘plus’concerts, “…Springsteen and the band clearly
appear to be having fun, feeding off each other. Especially listen to his very last sentence
at the fade out. It sums up teamwork. Use
his last sentence to evaluate your own leadership skillset.”
Some
take-aways from your viewing might suggest how to engage your community.
- Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous.
- Invite newer members to participate and be in the spotlight.
- Appreciate the talents of other members and trust them to perform.
- Smile, engage and have fun.
- Welcome everyone to join in and delight in a shared experience.
That’s
why they call him ‘The Boss.’ He clearly
knows something about leadership.
