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 Nils 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?

Comments

[Dan McCarthy]

Scott –
What a fantastic piece drawing comparisons between Springsteen and great leaders! You nailed it.
He also surrounds himself with great talent and isn’t afraid to share the glory.
OK, so who’s an example of a great rock star and terrible leader? Someone that alienates his bands, can’t keep a team together, is self-indulgent, lack of vision, etc… ?

[Bill Gibeault]

Great Post ! I love it. Rock Your Customers ! "Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage" (Pine & gilmore) Thnx bill

[Nick D]

I attended his concert on the current tour in Portland While being a fan for years , I lefted very disappointed He may develop loyalty on his team but he forgot about the customer (fan) How so?
a) Started his concert 1.15 hrs late
b) Bulk of his music was screaming his new album. He is famous for his ballads but they not sung until the last 3-4 songs

[Sean Clancy]

Scott,

In addition to everything that you wrote...for me it's about Springsteen's' commitment. He commits to leaving every ounce of his heart and soul on the stage. Talk about leading by example. I was on the recieving end of his commitment in Boston a year and a half ago and would have followed him anywhere that night!

[Barbara Legere]

I just ran across your article, its excellent.

I am a die hard Springsteen fan, have seen him 20 times (so far). I think Nils covered it quite well. One of the things that has kept me loyal to Bruce and the band all these years is his integrity as a person. Occasionally you see rumors about him but none have been true. The man is a decent human being, that says a lot for someone that made $70 million last year. Money, fame, success has not ruined him. Also - he has never sold out. You won't hear "Born to Run" on an ad for Nike's any time soon...

Excellent article!

[Trish McFarlane]

I really enjoyed this post. I'm a fan of the Boss, not fanatical, but I like him. I love the comparison of what he brings to his A game at each concert and how that equates to great leadership. Look forward to reading more of your blog.